Embedded Files
We accept FL Medicare, FL Medicaid, Aetna First Health, and Cigna. For out-of-network insurance, a $200 flat rate applies
Important: The information below is for educational purposes only. Diagnosis of hEDS should be made by a qualified healthcare provider after a comprehensive evaluation.
Important: The information below is for educational purposes only. Diagnosis of hEDS should be made by a qualified healthcare provider after a comprehensive evaluation.
1. Generalized Joint Hypermobility
1. Generalized Joint Hypermobility
To meet this criterion, individuals must have a Beighton Score above the age- and sex-specific cutoff:
Children & teens (before puberty): score of 6 or higher (out of 9)
Men & women up to age 50: score of 5 or higher
Adults over age 50: score of 4 or higher
If the Beighton score is one point below the required cutoff, at least two of the following historical signs of hypermobility should be present:
Ability (past or present) to place palms flat on the floor without bending the knees
Ability (past or present) to bend thumb to touch the forearm
Childhood ability to do the splits or unusual body contortions
Multiple dislocations of the shoulder or kneecap in youth
History of being described as “double-jointed”
Joint Hypermobility : Beighton Score
Joint Hypermobility : Beighton Score
2. Additional Clinical Features
At least two of the following feature groups (A, B, or C) must be met.2. Additional Clinical Features
Feature A – At least five of the following:
Feature A – At least five of the following:
- Soft or velvety skin
- Mild skin stretchiness
- Stretch marks (striae) in specific locations without major weight change
- Piezogenic papules on both heels
- Multiple or recurring abdominal hernias
- Scarring that is thin/atrophic in at least two areas (but not the classic EDS type)
- Pelvic floor, rectal, or uterine prolapse without major risk factors
- Dental crowding or high/narrow palate
- Long fingers (arachnodactyly) confirmed by positive wrist or thumb signs
- Arm span greater than height by ≥5%
- Mitral valve prolapse (confirmed by echocardiogram)
- Aortic root enlargement (Z-score > +2)
Feature B – Positive family history
Feature B – Positive family history
- One or more first-degree relatives who meet the current hEDS criteria
Feature C – At least one of:
Feature C – At least one of:
- Chronic musculoskeletal pain in two or more limbs for ≥3 months
- Chronic widespread pain for ≥3 months
- Recurring joint dislocations or significant instability without trauma
3. Required Exclusions
3. Required Exclusions
All of the following must be confirmed:
All of the following must be confirmed:
No unusual skin fragility (if present, consider other EDS types)
Other heritable or acquired connective tissue disorders ruled out (e.g., lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Marfan syndrome, Loeys-Dietz syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta)
Neuromuscular, skeletal dysplasia, and other causes of hypermobility excluded through history, exam, or genetic testing when indicated
Final Diagnostic Note
Final Diagnostic Note
A clinical diagnosis of hEDS requires all three criteria above to be met.
At MD Genetic Clinic, we combine thorough clinical assessment with targeted genetic testing when needed to guide diagnosis and management.
A clinical diagnosis of hEDS requires all three criteria above to be met.
At MD Genetic Clinic, we combine thorough clinical assessment with targeted genetic testing when needed to guide diagnosis and management.
Page updated
Report abuse