The 2017 International Classification for hEDS requires meeting all three of the following criteria:
- Generalized joint hypermobility: Typically assessed using the Beighton score (a 9-point scale measuring mobility at specific joints)
- Two or more of the following features:
- Systemic manifestations of a connective tissue disorder (e.g., unusually soft skin, mild skin hyperextensibility, unexplained stretch marks)
- Positive family history
- Musculoskeletal complications (e.g., chronic pain, recurrent dislocations)
- Exclusion of other diagnoses: Including other types of EDS (via genetic testing) and alternative diagnoses that may explain the symptoms
This checklist is a starting point, not a diagnosis. A knowledgeable clinician can determine more conclusively whether you meet the criteria using the full checklist above alongside your history, examination, family history, and other factors before issuing a diagnosis. Bendy Bodies offers guidance on understanding and applying these criteria through the EduCoaching program.