Joint Hypermobility Syndrome

Patient with hypermobile joint(s) develops chronic pain lasting 3 months or longer

Aetiology

  • Higher incidence in females
  • General or local
  • Rare genetic syndromes e.g. Marfan's, Ehlers Danloes

Clinical presentation

  • Usually presents in childhood or 3rd decade
  • Joint pains especially after exercise/physical work
  • Joint stiffness
  • Foot and ankle pain
  • Neck and backache
  • Frequent sprains and dislocations
  • Thin stretchy skin

Investigations

Modified Beighton score

  • >10° hyperextension of the elbows
  • Passively touch the forearm with the thumb, white flexing the wrist
  • Passive extension of the fingers or a 90° or more extension of the fifth finger
  • Touching the floor with the palms of the hands when reaching down without bending the knees
  • Hypermobility if ≳4/9

Management

  • Patient education
  • Physiotherapy
  • Analgesia as required
  • Surgery not recommended