Which description best defines Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder?

• A. It is a form of Ehlers-Danlos syndrome
• B. It involves only the spine
• C. It describes symptomatic joint hypermobility in the absence of EDS or other HDCT
• D. It is unrelated to joint hypermobility

Answer: (C)

Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder is a classification for people who have symptomatic joint hypermobility but do not meet the full criteria for Ehlers-Danlos syndrome or other hereditary connective tissue disorders. It acknowledges that hypermobile joints can cause pain, instability, and injuries even when there isn’t a specific EDS or HDCT diagnosis. This makes the description that it describes symptomatic joint hypermobility in the absence of EDS or other HDCT the best fit. It’s not limited to the spine, and it isn’t unrelated to joint hypermobility—the focus is on the musculoskeletal problems that come with hypermobility when a definitive HDCT diagnosis isn’t met.