Skip to main content
SpringerLink
Log in

Assessment of Hypermobility

  • Chapter
Hypermobility of Joints

Abstract

Adequate methods for measuring the range of movement at joints are essential for the definition of criteria used in the study of clinical problems associated with joint hypermobility. Scoring systems for hypermobility that survey a large number of joints in simple fashion are ideal for epidemiological studies in large populations. Latterly, investigators have devised sophisticated mechanical devices for the precise quantification of movement at a single joint. The greater precision afforded may be ideal for serial assessments in the same patient but this greater precision is of limited use in epidemiological work if the joint fails to mirror the status of laxity at other joints in the body. Moreover, a joint may display acquired hyperlaxity in compensation for a reduced range of movement at adjacent joints, for example in the vertebral column.

This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.

Access this chapter

Log in via an institution
Chapter
USD 29.95
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever
eBook
USD 74.99
Price excludes VAT (USA)
  • Available as EPUB and PDF
  • Read on any device
  • Instant download
  • Own it forever

Tax calculation will be finalised at checkout

Purchases are for personal use only

Institutional subscriptions

Preview

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

Unable to display preview. Download preview PDF.

References

  • Al-Rawi ZS, Al-Aszawi AJ, Al-Chalabi T (1985) Joint mobility among University students in Iraq. Br J Rheumatol 24: 326–331

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • American Academy of Orthopaedic Surgeons (1965) Joint motion: method of measuring and recording. Churchill Livingstone, Edinburgh

    Google Scholar 

  • Anderson JAD (1982) The thoraco-lumbar spine. In: Wright V (ed) Measurement of joint movement, WB Saunders Company Ltd, London pp 631–653 (Clinics in Rheumatic Diseases, Vol 8)

    Google Scholar 

  • Atha J, Wheatley DW (1976) The mobilising effects of treatment on hip flexion. Br J Sports Med 10: 22–25

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Barton L, Bird HA (1996) Improving pain by the stabilization of hyperlax joints. J Orthop Rheumatol 9:46–51

    Google Scholar 

  • Barton L, Bird HA, Lindsay M, Newton J, Wright V (1995a) The effect of different joint interventions on the range of movement at a joint. J Orthop Rheumatol 8: 87–92

    Google Scholar 

  • Barton L, Bird HA, Lindsay M, Newton J, Wright V (1995b) The quantification of joint hyperlaxity in athletes. J Orthop Rheumatol 8: 79–86

    Google Scholar 

  • Beighton PH (1988) Hypermobility scoring. Br J Rheumatol 27: 163

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beighton PH, De Paepe A, Danks D, et al (1988) International nosology of heritable disorders of connective tissue, Berlin, 1986. Am J Med Gen 29: 581–594

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beighton PH, De Paepe A, Steinmann B, Tsipouras P, Wenstrup RJ (1998) Ehlers-Danlos syndromes: revised nosology, Villefranche, 1997. Am J Med Gen 77: 31–37

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beighton PH, Grahame R, Bird HA (eds) (1989) Hypermobility of joints. Springer-Verlag, Berlin, Heidelberg

    Google Scholar 

  • Beighton PH, Horan F (1969) Orthopaedic aspects of the Ehlers-Danlos syndrome. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 51: 444–453

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Beighton PH, Solomon L, Soskolne CL (1973) Articular mobility in an African population. Ann Rheum Dis 32: 413–418

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bird HA (1983) Joint and tissue laxity. In: Wright V (ed) Topical reviews in the rheumatic disorders, vol 2. John Wright & Sons Ltd., Bristol pp 133–166

    Google Scholar 

  • Bird HA, Brodie DA, Wright V (1979) Quantification of joint laxity. Rheumatol Rehabil 18: 161–166

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bird HA, Calguneri M (1986) Joint mobility among university students. Br J Rheumatol 25: 314

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bird HA, Calguneri M, Wright V (1981a) Changes in joint laxity occurring during pregnancy. Ann Rheum Dis 40: 209–212

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Bird HA, Jobbins B, Wright V (1981b) A finger arthrograph for the quantification of joint stiffness. Ann Rheum Dis 40: 200–205

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Birrell FN, Adebajo AO, Hazleman BL, Silman AJ (1994) High prevalence of joint laxity in West Africans. Br J Rheumatol 33: 56–59

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bridges AJ, Smith E, Reid J (1992) Joint hypermobility in adults referred to rheumatology clinics. Ann Rheum Dis 51: 793–796

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Bulbena A, Duro JC, Porta M, Faus S, Vallescar R, Martin-Santos R (1992) Clinical Assessment of hypermobility of joints: Assembling criteria. J Rheumatol 19:1: 115–122

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Burton AK (1986) Regional lumbar sagittal mobility; measurement by flexicurves. Clin Biomech 1: 20–26

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Burton AK, Tillotson KM (1988) Reference values for “normal” regional lumbar sagittal mobility. Clin Biomech 3: 106–113

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Campbell RR, Hawkins SJ, Maddison PJ, Reckless JPD (1985) Limited joint mobility in diabetes mellitus. Ann Rheum Dis 44: 93–97

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Carter C, Wilkinson J (1964) Persistent joint laxity and congenital dislocation of the hip. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 46: 40–45

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Croft PR, Nahit ES, Macfarlane GJ, Silman AJ (1996) Interobserver reliability in measuring flexion, internal rotation, and external rotation of the hip using a plurimeter. Ann Rheum Dis 55: 320–323

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Dubs L, Gschwend N (1988) General joint laxity. Quantification and clinical relevance. Arch Orthop Trauma Surg 107: 65–72

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Fairbank JCT, Pynsent PB, Phillips H (1984) Quantitative measurements of joint mobility in adolescents. Ann Rheum Dis 43: 288–294

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Grahame R, Jenkins JM (1972) Joint hypermobility — asset or liability. Ann Rheum Dis 31: 109–111

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gedalia A, Brewer Jr EJ (1993) Joint hypermobility in paediatric practice — a review. J Rheumatol 20:2 371–374

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Gedalia A, Press J, Klein M, Buskila D (1993) Joint hypermobility and fibromyalgia in schoolchildren. Ann Rheum Dis 52: 494–496

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Harris H, Joseph J (1949) Variation in extension of the metacarpophalangeal and interphalangeal joints of the thumb. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 31: 547–559

    Google Scholar 

  • Haskard DO, Silman AJ (1985) Measuring devices for study joint mobility in the normal population. Eng Med 14: 75–77

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hilton RC, Ball J, Benn RT (1978) In vitro mobility of the lumbar spine. Ann Rheum Dis 38: 378–383

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Howe A, Thompson D, Wright V (1985) Reference values for metacarpophalangeal joint stiffness in normals. Ann Rheum Dis 44: 469–476

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Hudson N, Starr MR, Esdaile JM, Fitzcharles M-A (1995) Diagnostic associations with hypermobility in rheumatology patients. Br J Rheumatol 34: 1157–1161

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Jobbins B, Bird HA, Wright V (1979) A joint hyperextensometer for the quantification of joint laxity. Eng Med 8: 103–104

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Johnson GR, Fyfe NCM, Heward M (1991) Ranges of movement at the shoulder complex using an electromagnetic movement sensor. Ann Rheum Dis 50: 824–827

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Kirk JA, Ansell BM, Bywaters EGL (1967) The hypermobility syndrome. Ann Rheum Dis 26: 419–425

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Klemp P (1997) Hypermobility. Ann Rheum Dis 56: 573–575

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Larsson L-G, Baum J, Mudholkar GS (1987) Hypermobility: features and differential incidence between the sexes. Arthritis Rheum 30: 1426–1430

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loebl WY (1967) Measurement of spinal posture and range of spinal movement. Ann Phys Med 9: 103–110

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Loebl WY (1972) The assessment of mobility in the metacarpophalangeal joints. Rheumatol Phys Med 9(8): 365–379

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • MacLennan AH, Green RC, Nicolson R, Bath M (1986) Serum relaxin and pelvic pain of pregnancy. Lancet ii: 243–245

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Macrae IF, Wright V (1969) Measurement of back movement. Ann Rheum Dis 28: 584–589

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • McNerney JE, Johnston WB (1979) Generalised ligamentous laxity, hallux abducto valgus and the first metatrsocuneiform joint. J Am Podiatr Assoc 69: 69–82

    CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Mishra MB, Ryan P, Atkinson P, Taylor H, Bell J, Calver D, Fogelman I, Child A, Jackson G, Chambers JB, Grahame R (1996) Extra-articular features of benign joint hypermobility syndrome. Br J Rheumatol 35: 861–866

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Morgan AW, Bird HA (1994) Conference Report: Special interest group for joint Hypermobility. Br J Rheumatol 33: 1089–1091

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pal B, Anderson J, Dick WC, Griffiths ID (1986) Limitation of joint mobility and shoulder capsulitis in insulin- and non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus. Br J Rheumatol 25: 147–151

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pearcy M (1986) Measurement of back and spinal mobility. Clin Biomech 1: 44–51

    Article  Google Scholar 

  • Poul J, Fait M (1986) Generalisierte Bandalaxität bei Kindern. Z Orthp 124: 336–339

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Pountain G (1992) Musculoskeletal pain in Omanis, and the relationship to joint mobility and body mass index. Br J Rheumatol 31: 81–85

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Rotés J, Argany A (1957) La laxité articulaire considerée comme facteur des altérations de l’appareil locomoteur. Rev Rhum Mal Osteoartic 24: 535–539

    Google Scholar 

  • Russell P, Weld A, Pearcy MJ, Hogg R, Unsworth A (1992) Variation in lumbar spine mobility measured over a 24-hour period. Br J Rheumatol 31: 329–332

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Schober P (1937) Lendenwribelsaul und Kreuzschmerzen. München Med Wochenschr 84: 336–339

    Google Scholar 

  • Schweitzer G (1970) Laxity of metacarpophalangeal joints of finger and interphalangeal joint of the thumb: a comparative interracial study. S Afr Med J 44: 246–249

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silman AJ, Day SJ, Haskard DO (1987) Factors associated with joint mobility in an adolescent population. Ann Rheum Dis 46: 209–212

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silman AJ, Haskard D, Day S (1986) Distribution of joint mobility in a normal population: results of the use of fixed torque measuring devices. Ann Rheum Dis 45: 27–30

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Silverman S, Constine L, Harvey W, Grahame R (1975) Survey of joint mobility and in vivo skin elasticity in London schoolchildren. Ann Rheum Dis 34: 177–180

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Starkman HS, Gleason RE, Rand LI, Miller DE, Soeldner JS (1986) Limited joint mobility (LJM) of the hand in patients with diabetes mellitus: relation to chronic complications. Ann Rheum Dis 45: 130–135

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Sturrock RD, Wojtulewski J, Dudley Hart F (1973) Spondylometry in a normal population and in ankylosing spondylitis. Rheumatol Rehab il 12: 135–142

    Article  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Troup JDG, Hood CA, Chapman AE (1968) Measurements of the sagittal mobility of the lumbar spine and hips. Ann Phys Med 9: 308–321

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wagner C, Drescher D (1984) Measuring ability of the metacarpophalangeal joints II, III, IV, V in the dorso-volar plane. Eng Med 13: 15–20

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wolfe F, Smythe HA, Yunus MB et al. (1990) The American College of Rheumatology 1990 criteria for the classification of fibromyalgia: report of the multicenter criteria committee. Arthritis Rheum 33:160–172

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wood PHN (1971) Is hypermobility a discrete entity? Proc R Soc Med 64: 690–692

    PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wordsworth P, Ogilvie D, Smith R, Sykes B (1987) Joint mobility with particular reference to radical variation and inherited connective tissue disorders. Br J Rheumatol 26: 9–12

    Article  PubMed  CAS  Google Scholar 

  • Wright V (ed) (1982) Measurement of joint movement. WB Saunders Company Ltd, London (Clinics in Rheumatic Diseases, vol 9)

    Google Scholar 

  • Wynne-Davis R (1970) Acetabular dysplasia and familial joint laxity: two aetiological factors in congenital dislocation of the hip. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 52: 704–708

    Google Scholar 

Download references

Author information

Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town Medical School, Observatory 7925, Cape Town, South Africa

    Peter Beighton MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPCH, FRSSA

  2. Hypermobility Clinic, UCL Hospitals, 40-50 Tottenham Street, W1P 9PG, London, UK

    Rodney Grahame CBE, MD, FRCP, FACP

  3. Clinical Pharmacology Unit, University of Leeds, Chapel Allerton Hospital, Chapeltown Road, Leeds, West Yorkshire, LS7 4SA, UK

    Howard Bird MA, MD, FRCP

Authors
  1. Peter Beighton MD, PhD, FRCP, FRCPCH, FRSSA
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  2. Rodney Grahame CBE, MD, FRCP, FACP
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

  3. Howard Bird MA, MD, FRCP
    View author publications

    You can also search for this author in PubMed Google Scholar

Rights and permissions

Reprints and permissions

Copyright information

© 1999 Springer-Verlag London

About this chapter

Cite this chapter

Beighton, P., Grahame, R., Bird, H. (1999). Assessment of Hypermobility. In: Hypermobility of Joints. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3633-0_2

Download citation

  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-4471-3633-0_2

  • Publisher Name: Springer, London

  • Print ISBN: 978-1-4471-3635-4

  • Online ISBN: 978-1-4471-3633-0

  • eBook Packages: Springer Book Archive

Publish with us

Policies and ethics

Search

Navigation