[Two cases of rehabilitation in Ehler-Danlos syndrome].
OBJECTIVE
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is rare and little known. It comprises a heterogeneous group of heritable connective tissue disorders characterized by articular hypermobility, skin extensibility and tissue fragility. Diagnosis may be difficult and often delayed.


METHODS
Here we describe 2 cases of women with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. The first had scoliosis with back pain and joint hypermobility. The second presented with hypermobility and joint dislocation, which increased during pregnancy. In these 2 cases, rehabilitation management produced clinical improvement.


CONCLUSIONS
Orthopaedic complications such joint pain, joint swelling, joint dislocation, back pain, with walking and hand function disability are the main problems in Ehlers-Danos syndrome. Surgery may be necessary to correct dislocated joints but is often not sufficient to resolve the handicap, and physical therapy has an important place in management.


CONCLUSIONS
Ehlers-Danlos syndrome is an evolving disease that can lead to great impairment. Thus, physicians must be aware of this syndrome to offer the best management, with the appropriate use of orthotic devices, specific strengthening routines, education in proper body mechanics and assistive devices, to prevent joint dislocation and subluxations responsible for pain and handicap.
Le Tallec
H
H
Service de Médecine Physique et de Réadaptation, CHU Pontchaillou, 2, rue Henri-le-guilloux, 35033 Rennes cedex 09, France.
Lassalle
A
A
Khenioui
H
H
Durufle
A
A
Plassat
R
R
Gallien
P
P
D000328:Adult; D001915:Braces; D004535:Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome / Q000150:complications / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D004867:Equipment Design; D005260:Female; D006617:Hip Dislocation / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000209:etiology / Q000534:rehabilitation*