NHL’s Chaz Lucius Retires at 21: How Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome Halted his Career

Chaz Lucius, 21, announced this week he was retiring from the National Hockey League’s Winnipeg Jets. This comes after he was diagnosed with Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), a tissue disorder caused by genetic changes that weaken connective tissue in the skin, joints, and blood vessels.

There are 13 conditions that fall under Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, with each having its own genetic cause. The most common is hypermobile EDS, which represents 90 percent of all EDS cases. Symptoms include chronic pain, joint instability, headaches, gastrointestinal issues, and joint hypermobility. Joint instability means the tissue supporting a joint weakens and can’t keep bones aligned, while joint hypermobility means joints can move or extend beyond their normal range.

All EDS types can be inherited from a parent. In the case of a dominant EDS condition, there’s a 50 percent chance that a child can also have a type of EDS. For recessive, both parents need to carry the EDS condition to create a 25 percent chance of passing the disease to their children.

EDS doesn’t have a specific treatment, but the symptoms are managed on a case-by-case basis. It’s typically diagnosed through a physical exam and genetic testing. Once those results are received, there can be a team of doctors who help treat the variety of symptoms caused by EDS. These doctors can include an orthopedist to help with joint or skeletal issues, a rheumatologist who deals with diseases affecting connective tissue, or a dermatologist for skin conditions.

People with EDS should consider avoiding heavy lifting, high impact exercises and sports, and wearing protective pads over knees and elbows to prevent bruising. If you suspect you have EDS, speak with your primary care doctor to discuss genetic testing options and finding the right specialists to treat your symptoms. Learn more about primary care services available at Jackson Health System here.