CHRONIC PAIN IS A MANIFESTATION OF THE EHLERS-DANLOS-SYNDROME

The Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is a group of heritable systemic diso rders of connective tissue manifesting joint hypermobility skin extens ibility, and tissue fragility. Although the presence of pain has been documented in the various types of the EDS, its natural history, distr ibution, and management have not been defined. me conducted a structur ed interview in 51 individuals affected with different types of EDS. A ffected individuals reported chronic pain of early onset involving mos t frequently the shoulders, hands, and knees. Pain wets generally refr actory to a variety of pharmacologic and physical interventions. Chron ic pain is a common manifestation of EDS. (C) U.S. Cancer Pain Relief Committee, 1997.