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Living with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, arthrochalasia type

An inherited connective tissue condition with very loose joints, hip dislocation at birth, and stretchy fragile skin.

Understanding Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, arthrochalasia type

Arthrochalasia Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (aEDS) is an inherited connective tissue condition caused by defects in a protein called collagen.

Common symptoms include severe joint hypermobility, hip dislocation present at birth, fragile and stretchy skin, low muscle tone, and curving of the spine (kyphoscoliosis). Signs show up in the newborn and infant years.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Very flexible joints
  • Hip dislocation at birth
  • Stretchy, fragile skin
  • Low muscle tone (hypotonia)
  • Joint dislocations
  • Curved spine (kyphoscoliosis)

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists, bone and joint specialists, genetic specialists and skin, hair, and nail specialists.

  3. Consider genetic testing

    Changes in COL1A1 are linked to this condition. Genetic testing and counseling can help confirm a diagnosis and explain what it means for your family.

  4. Connect with expert centers

    Ehlers-Danlos Society and Bobby Jones Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation may keep lists of experts for this condition.

Care & treatment

Care team
autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons); Genetic specialists (geneticists); Skin, hair, and nail specialists (dermatologists)
Expert care
Expert lists: Ehlers-Danlos Society, Bobby Jones Chiari & Syringomyelia Foundation
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with Ehlers-Danlos Society and other patient organizations
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
Would genetic testing for COL1A1 or COL1A2 help our family?
How should hips and joints be monitored and protected?
What physical therapy do you recommend?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startNewborn and as an Infant
InheritanceAutosomal Dominant
GenesCOL1A1

GARD says changes in the COL1A1 gene or the COL1A2 gene cause this condition. It is autosomal dominant, meaning one changed copy of the gene can cause it.

GeneticSkin

Also known as: aeds; arthrochalasia eds; arthrochalasia ehlers-danlos syndrome; arthrochalasis multiplex congenita; eds vii; eds vii, mutant procollagen type

Patient organizations

Source: NIH GARD · Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, arthrochalasia typeGARD ID 2084 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, arthrochalasia type.

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