Arthroscopic glenoid labrum repair of left shoulder in a male with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Abstract

Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) is an inherited connective tissue disorder that has been classified into several primary types. The clinical characteristic of EDS is hypermobility of the joints, hyperextensibility and fragility of the skin, and hemorrhage tendency. For many patients, the hypermobile joints become a serious problem. We present the case of a 19-year-old male diagnosed with EDS, with recurrent dislocations of his left shoulder, hyperextensibility and fragility of the skin, and a carp-mouth–shaped scar of the forearm. After 4 years of nonoperative treatment, we performed an arthroscopic glenoid labrum repair of left shoulder. At a 6-year follow-up, the patient has no instability in the left shoulder. We believe that glenoid labrum repair is a viable method for treating recurrent dislocations for patients with EDS. It is strongly suggested to check coagulation function of patients to avoid substantial bleeding when decorticating the glenoid rim, to ensure a conservative postoperative rehabilitation.