What are the Ehlers-Danlos syndromes?

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a group of inherited connective tissue disorders. Connective tissue helps support structures throughout the body, so EDS can affect more than joints alone. Different EDS types have different patterns of joint, skin, blood-vessel and other features. The current international classification recognises 13 EDS types. Most have an identified genetic cause; hypermobile EDS (hEDS) remains the exception and is diagnosed clinically. Because symptoms vary widely, diagnosis and management should be individualised by qualified clinicians.