Exaggerated flexibility of joints beyond the normal range occurs in certain individuals and had been recognized from ancient times. While joint hypermobility is a feature of several inherited diseases of connective tissue such as osteogenesis imperfecta, Marfan syndrome and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, it is also present in a subset of otherwise normal individuals. Prevalence of joint hypermobility varies based on age, sex and necessity. It is common in children and decreases with age. Men have less hypermobility in women.
DESCRIPTION
While there are several ways to test and determine if someone has hyperligamentous laxity, there are a few key motions that are performed to determine as such. The Beighton Method measures joint laxity by means of five simple tests. Specifically for the upper extremity, there are three basic tests derived from the Beighton Method to determine laxity:
- Hyperextend elbow
- Bend thumb back on the front of the forearm
- Hyperextend little finger