Risk factors of patellofemoral instability in patients with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome

Abstract

Purpose

Hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) is a connective tissue disorder characterized by joint hypermobility and ligamentous laxity, leading to a high prevalence of patellar instability. While anatomical risk factors for patellar dislocation (PD) have been extensively studied in the general population, their specific role in hEDS remains unclear. This study aimed to evaluate anatomical predictors of patellar dislocation in patients with hEDS by comparing individuals with and without PD.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on 168 patients diagnosed with hEDS. Patients were screened to ensure they had MRI and X-ray imaging of the knee, identifying 17 patients (28 knees) with patellar dislocation (PD group) and 33 patients (38 knees) without dislocation (control group). Demographic data, imaging measurements, and patellar-specific parameters such as tibial tubercle lateralization, patellar height, axial alignment, trochlear morphology, and patellar shape were assessed. Statistical comparisons and regression analyses were performed to identify significant predictors.

Results

The PD group exhibited significantly smaller patellar width (p = 0.03), higher Insall-Salvati ratios (p = 0.04), and a greater prevalence of type C trochlear dysplasia (p = 0.02) and type III patellar shape (p = 0.02) compared to controls. Age was a significant predictor, with younger patients showing a higher likelihood of dislocation (p = 0.004; OR = 0.076;95% CI, − 0.128- − 0.024). No significant differences were found in tibial tubercle lateralization or tibiofemoral rotation between groups. Correlation analysis revealed complex relationships among imaging parameters, highlighting the interplay of anatomical factors.

Conclusion

This study identified anatomical differences associated with patellar dislocation in hEDS, but none of the measured parameters exceeded established clinical thresholds considered pathological in the general population. This highlights that patellar instability in hEDS may occur despite normal anatomy, underscoring the greater role of systemic laxity and the need for hEDS-specific assessment considerations.