Hemarthrosis due to a rare cause of hemorrhagic diathesis: Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Orthopedic aspects of collagen disorders

PURPOSE OF REVIEW

The purpose of this article is to provide the pediatrician with a review of disorders that have the orthopedic manifestation of joint hypermobility. Hypermobility, also termed ligamentous laxity, may present in different parts of the body at different times throughout childhood and adolescence. It may be symptomatic or incidentally found on the physical examination. Many conditions that cause joint hypermobility resolve with nonoperative management, but occasionally operative intervention is required for the best patient outcome.

RECENT FINDINGS

In addition, hypermobility may be associated with collagen disorders that affect vital organ systems. Recognition of hypermobility combined with a thorough patient evaluation may be the initial opportunity for the pediatrician to uncover disease that may be managed promptly.

SUMMARY

Heightened awareness of subtle hypermobility or symptomatic joint laxity on physical examination facilitates optimal management and favorable outcomes in children with this condition.

Severe cartilage damage of the knee joint in two young women with hypermobility

The purpose of this pictorial assay is to show the arthroscopic findings of two patients with hypermobility syndrome and patellofemoral malalignment. Severe chondral damage and recurrent bleeding were common findings in these patients. One patient also had a meniscal impingement syndrome. A dynamic assessment of the patellofemoral joint as well as the evaluation of the lateral and medial retinaculum was performed by arthroscopy. Pictures of damaged area on the articular cartilage were obtained through a 5-mm arthroscope using standard portals. A lack of the patellae retinaculum involvement was proved arthroscopically in both cases. Mechanical complaints and recurrent effusion, even without history of trauma, should alert physicians who manage patients with hypermobility. In patients with joint hypermobility, the damage of the cartilage is real and often a therapeutic challenge.