Abstract: Total knee arthroplasty in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

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Total knee arthroplasty in Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.

Rose PS, CA, Hungerford DS, McFarland EG.

Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Mayo Clinic, Rochester, Minnesota, USA.

The Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are a rare group of connective tissue

disorders characterized by severe joint hypermobility and instability. Ten

patients with 12 primary knee arthroplasties were identified. Average age at

time of surgery was 43.3 years, with follow-up data acquired at an average

of 65 months after surgery. Primary indications for surgery were

tibiofemoral or patellar instability (n = 8) and arthritis (n = 4). Knee

Society Functional scores averaged 29.6 before surgery and 51.3 at time of

interview (P<.005). Knee Society Knee scores at time of follow-up evaluation

averaged 70. Tibiofemoral and patella stability were significantly improved.

Arthroplasty appears to be an effective option for knee arthritis and

instability in EDS patients, although results and satisfaction are lower

than that reported for conventional arthroplasty indications.