Tendinous and ligamentous hyperlaxity in patients receiving longterm hemodialysis

Chronic renal insufficiency gives rise to osteoarticular and tendinous alterations, with tendinous rupture reaching 3.6% among patients receiving hemodialysis. To evaluate potential tendinous and ligamentous alterations, 39 consecutive patients receiving longterm hemodialysis (mean dialysis time 33 months) were studied prospectively by clinicoradiological methods. Of the 39 cases, atlantoaxial subluxation was found in 3 (7.7%). Tendinous or ligamentous hyperlaxity was present in 29 (74%) with patellar tendon elongation in 19 (49%), articular hypermobility in 20 (51%) and both in 10. Differences were significant (p less than 0.05) in patients with articular hypermobility with over 36 months' dialysis, and even more so (p less than 0.01) in those with over 48 months. Atlantoaxial subluxation was more frequent after 48 months' dialysis. Therefore, patients receiving longterm hemodialysis are prone to present tendinous or ligamentous hyperlaxity with atlantoaxial subluxation as well.