Hypermobility syndromes from the clinician’s perspective: an overview

Symptomatic generalized hypermobility is a frequent occurring condition among patients referred to the rheumatologist or other medical specialist. In a subset of patients, a further classifying diagnosis of a specific syndrome can (and should) be made, based on pattern recognition and knowledge of the spectrum of hypermobility syndromes. Diagnostic clues are the patient’s and family history and signs at physical examination, including skin abnormalities. It is especially important to recognize hypermobility syndromes with potentially life threatening complications. Genetic testing is only available for some syndromes; is only indicated if there is a reasonable pretest probability regarding a specific syndrome, especially if this syndrome can have life-threatening complications. The therapy is for the major part of syndromes only symptomatic; key features of management are education and physical exercises; joint surgery is to be avoided.