Orthodontic treatment protocol of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome type VI

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) type VI is an autosomal recessive disorder of the connective tissue characterized by joint hypermobility, muscle hypotonia, scoliosis, and ocular fragility. In this case report, an EDS type VI patient with a skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion is presented and the clinical approach to his orthodontic problem is emphasized. A 17-year-old male patient presenting some major and minor symptoms of the syndrome was referred to our orthodontic department for diagnosis and treatment. The typical clinical signs confirmed the diagnosis of EDS type VI. He was a skeletal and dental Class III malocclusion patient (both mandibular protrusion and maxillary retrusion) with a noncontributory family history. He had severe crowding in the lower and upper dental arches with retruded incisors. His first treatment plan included orthognathic surgery, but because of the risks of bleeding and poor healing, we elected to treat the patient without surgery.