Thoracic and Lumbar Spine Presentation in HSD/EDS

Course overview

The thoracic cavity typically presents as a stable compartment of standard anatomy. However, patients with HSD/EDS may present with pathologies of the thoracic outlet, thoracic spine, ribs, and diaphragm more commonly than seen in the general population. For a patient with HSD/EDS, this area can be frustrating to treat with continued rib subluxations that become difficult to keep in place. Understanding how the different components of the thoracic cavity work together can improve outcomes with interventional strategies. This, combined with knowledge of how the body with HSD/EDS responds, can lead to improved long-term management goals. The lumbar spine can have peculiar neurological findings in HSD/EDS that should be screened for. Instability, subluxation, and guarding are common, and evaluation and treatment will be covered.