MSSN honored with exclusive award of excellence

In a global stride towards groundbreaking medical care, Mount Sinai South Nassau has emerged as a beacon of excellence, securing its place among the elite 18 institutions worldwide designated as the inaugural cohort of Ehlers-Danlos Society Centers and Networks of Excellence.

Ehlers-Danlos syndromes (EDS) are rare, hereditary conditions that pose unique challenges, affecting joints, skin, and connective tissues by weakening tissues and playing tricks on tendons, ligaments, blood vessels, and even organs.

For the first time, Mount Sinai South Nassau has been recognized for its remarkable Chiari EDS Program, offering hope and cutting-edge solutions to those grappling with these complex disorders.

Mount Sinai’s Chiari EDS Program offers—a multidisciplinary approach led by Dr. Paolo Bolognese, the program’s Surgical Director. The program has transcended borders, drawing patients from across the United States who seek relief from symptoms that often go undiagnosed or mistreated elsewhere. Bolognese’s leadership has transformed the program into an internationally recognized service, setting a new standard for care in the realm of EDS.

“Our Chiari EDS Program uses a multidisciplinary team approach, with experts in neurosurgery, neurology, plastic surgery, orthopedics, general surgery, ENT, GI medicine, and cardiology,” said Bolognese.

Central to this recognition is the program’s commitment to the Ehlers-Danlos Society’s C.A.R.E. model—Care, Access, Research, and Education. This holistic approach ensures that every facet of patient well-being is considered, from diagnosis to treatment and ongoing support.

The Ehlers-Danlos Society’s thorough review affirms Mount Sinai South Nassau’s dedication to excellence. Dr. Ilene S. Ruhoy, the program’s Medical Director, rightly notes that this prestigious designation validates the program’s commitment to patient-centered care and evidence-based treatments.

“This prestigious designation validates that the quality of our program is founded on a top-notch multidisciplinary team of physicians who provide expert patient-centered care and evidence-based treatments,” said Ruhoy.

Chiari malformation type 1 (CMI) is a condition occurring at birth in which brain tissue extends into the spinal canal. It occurs when part of the skull is misshapen or smaller than usual, pressing on the brain and forcing it downward. EDS can exacerbate the condition by causing instability in the skull and neck region. For those grappling with CMI, Mount Sinai’s Chiari EDS Program stands as a sanctuary. Particularly noteworthy is the program’s focus on the hypermobile subtype, a testament to its dedication to tailoring care to the unique needs of each patient.

The statistics speak volumes—1,500 surgeries for Chiari malformation, 1,000 craniocervical fusions, and 1,000 surgeries for tethered cord. Mount Sinai South Nassau’s Chiari EDS Program doesn’t just treat; it transforms lives, embodying the Ehlers-Danlos Society’s mission to increase clinical service availability, shorten diagnostic journeys, and standardize communication and care.

As Mount Sinai continues to lead the charge in reshaping the landscape of EDS care, it is not merely a medical institution but a haven for those in search of hope, healing, and a brighter future. The world is taking notice, and the recognition as an Ehlers-Danlos Society Center of Excellence is a testament to the unwavering commitment of Mount Sinai South Nassau in championing the well-being of individuals living with EDS, Chiari, and hypermobility spectrum disorders which are connective tissue disorders that cause joint hypermobility, instability, injury, and pain.