Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: relationship between joint hypermobility, urinary incontinence, and pelvic floor prolapse

Abstract

Objective: To compare the incidence of joint hypermobility and prolapse in incontinent and continent women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS).

Methods: Forty-six patients with EDS were evaluated by history and physical examination. The degree of joint mobility of shoulder, elbow, wrist, hip, knee, and ankle was evaluated by orthopedic surgeons and physical therapists. Joint range of motion measurements were obtained using an orthopedic goniometer.

Results: The two EDS groups, incontinent (n = 28) and continent (n = 18) women, had a statistically similar mean age, weight, and parity (p = NS). In the EDS population overall joint hypermobility averaged 34.3%. Individuals with EDS type 3 had significantly more joint hypermobility than those with type 1 and 2 EDS. However, logistic regression analysis demonstrated no significant relationship between prolapse and joint hypermobility. Wrist dorsiflexion (p < 0.05) and palmar flexion (p = 0.05) were the only variables related to incontinence.

Conclusion: It has previously been reported that hypermobility was correlated with pelvic floor prolapse. Of 18 joint measures per patient, hypermobility of both wrist dorsiflexion and palmar flexion was associated with symptoms of incontinence. We were unable to document an association between joint hypermobility and prolapse in the EDS population.