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The Molecular Basis of Joint Hypermobility

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Hypermobility of Joints

Abstract

The ability of joints to undergo repeated and rapid movements is attributable to the unique mechanical properties of the extracellular matrix (ECM) of the joint capsule and surrounding ligaments and tendons. A delicate balance exists between ‘stiffness’ and ‘elasticity’ of these tissues. Stiffness comes from very long collagen fibrils that are arranged in elaborate architectures such as parallel bundles in tendon (Fig. 3.1), orthogonal lattices in the cornea and basket-weave in skin, depending on the mechanical requirements of the tissues in which they occur. Elasticity originates from the crimping of collagen fibrils and from elastic fibres in the ECM (Fig. 3.2). These elastic fibres have a unique arrangement of macromolecules that permits extension and contraction at a molecular level. An understanding of the molecular and structural basis of joint hypermobility requires a detailed knowledge of the structure, function and organisation of the collagenous and elastic polymer systems that comprise the ECM.

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Acknowledgements

The work in the authors’ laboratories is funded by the Wellcome Trust and the Arthritis Research Campaign. Special thanks are given to Mrs. Yinhui Lu for electron microscopy.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Human Genetics, University of Cape Town, Cape Town, South Africa

    Peter Beighton (OMB, MD, PhD FRCP, FRSSA)

  2. Department of Rheumatolgy, University College Hospital, London, United Kingdom

    Rodney Grahame (CBE, MD, FRCP, FACP)

  3. Department of Musculo–Skeletal Medicine, University of Leeds, Leeds, United Kingdom

    Howard Bird (MA, MD, FRCP)

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  1. Peter Beighton
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  3. Howard Bird
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Beighton, P., Grahame, R., Bird, H. (2012). The Molecular Basis of Joint Hypermobility. In: Hypermobility of Joints. Springer, London. https://doi.org/10.1007/978-1-84882-085-2_3

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