Children inherently have a greater range of joint motion than adults, the prevalence of hypermobility, as defined by several criteria, varying in different populations from 5 to 30% 15. A 2015 report in clinical rheumatology looked at the prevalence of hypermobility in college students. People with hypermobility syndrome are more susceptible to injury, including dislocations and. Feb 15, 2012 joint hypermobility is the ability of a joint to move beyond its normal range of motion. Joint hypermobility syndrome, also termed benign hyper mobility syndrome, is a connective tissue disorder charac terized by chronic musculoskeletal pain due. Jan 20, 2011 joint hypermobility syndrome jhs, previously known as benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs, is a heritable disorder of connective tissue that comprises symptomatic hypermobility predisposing to arthralgia, soft tissue injury, and joint instability. Oct 12, 2015 benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is primarily seen in children and younger adolescents. People with hypermobility are particularly supple and able to move their limbs into positions others find impossible. Researchers at johns hopkins childrens center report that children and teens with chronic fatigue syndrome cfs are three and a half times more.
Joint hypermobility information booklet versus arthritis. Unlike the heritable disorders of connective tissue with which it shares consid erable overlap in manifestations, most subjects with hypermobility remain asymptomatic. Clinical management of benign joint hypermobility syndrome. Generalised joint hypermobility royal childrens hospital. Loose joints cause increased strain on nearby soft tissues muscles, ligaments, tendons that. Joint hypermobility is a term used to describe excess joint movement. Edsht is considered to be identical to the joint hypermobility syndrome and manifests with musculoskeletal complaints, joint instability, and soft tissue overuse injury. Benign joint hypermobility syndrome lawrence a indian j. The criteria for other types of ehlersdanlos syndrome can be found on by clicking here this criteria is based on an. Benign nocturnal leg pains, or growing pains, are a common pain syndrome of childhood and have been linked to underlying joint hypermobility in some children. Hypermobility and the hypermobility syndrome sciencedirect. This means that to be affected, a person only needs a change mutation in one copy of the responsible gene in each cell. The beighton score is a simple system to quantify joint laxity and hypermobility. Benign joint hypermobility in childhood rheumatology.
Pdf benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is a hereditable disorder of connective tissue, which is characterized by the occurrence of. The terms joint hypermobility syndrome, benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs, and hypermobility syndrome were used to describe a. Joint hypermobility in adults referred to rheumatology. Hypermobility syndrome joint symptoms, causes, tests. This criteria is based on an international consensus between heds experts. Joint hypermobility is the ability of a joint to move beyond its normal range of motion. When generalized, hypermobility is called hypermobility syndrome or joint hypermobility syndrome. Flexible joints associated with chronic fatigue syndrome. How do you identify the patient with joint hypermobility. Marco castoriis a medicalgeneticist enrolled as senior hospitalbasedclinician atthe sancamilloforlanini hospital in rome. Sep 06, 2002 researchers at johns hopkins childrens center report that children and teens with chronic fatigue syndrome cfs are three and a half times more likely to have hyperflexible joints than their. The diagnosis of benign joint hypermobility syndrome in two.
Joint hypermobility, when associated with symptoms is termed the joint hypermobility syndrome or hypermobility syndrome jhs, grahame, 2003a. The syndrome is excluded by the presence of marfans or ehlersdanlos syndromes other than the hypermobility type of ehlersdanlos syndrome formerly eds iii. Pdf benign joint hypermobility syndrome researchgate. Hypermobility means your joints are more flexible than other peoples you may think of yourself as being double jointed.
Jhs is an under recognised and poorly managed multisystemic, hereditary connective tissue disorder, often resulting in a great deal of pain and suffering. Living with joint hypermobility syndrome jhs isobel knight msc upon reflection i should have realised that i was either a little bit different or i had some unusual powers of flexibility. Joint hypermobility syndrome jhs can produce a wide array of musculoskeletal, visceral, and psychological problems, which can seriously reduce quality of life. Rare medical conditions associated with hypermobile joints include. Joint hypermobility syndrome is an inherited collagenrelated disorder with a large range of symptoms from having some degree of joint laxity or flexibility to severe, lifeimpacting symptoms related to the cardiovascular system andor the autonomic nervous system. Hypermobility syndrome the facts the hypermobility syndrome hms is one of a group of inherited diseases which affect the connective tissues of the body. The joint hypermobility syndrome jhs is the most common condition among the hereditary disorders of connective tissue hdct, a group of conditions that include jhs, ehlersdanlos syndrome eds, marfan syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, and stickler syndrome. Musculoskeletal complaints manifest with joint pain of noninflammatory origin andor. Other commonly associated features include marked fatiguability, tiredness, back pain, joint subluxation and. Benign joint hypermobility syndrome is the presence of musculoskeletal symptoms in subjects with joint hypermobility in the absence of demonstrable systemic rheumatic disease. Benign hypermobility syndrome vs eds eds and chronic pain. When this causes pain, it might be joint hypermobility syndrome. Because of excessive motion of the joints, hypermobility syndrome makes people injury prone. Benign hypermobility syndrome vs eds eds and chronic.
However, some people with joint hypermobility can have a number of unpleasant symptoms as well, such as. Joint hypermobility in adults referred to rheumatology clinics. Benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is a connective tissue disorder with hypermobility in which musculoskeletal symptoms occur in the absence of. It is a common joint or muscle problem in children and. Fibrous proteins collagens, elastins, fibrillins give the body its strength. Joint hypermobility and fibromyalgia risk factors chronic. To assess the occurrence and importance of joint hypermobility in adult patients referred to a rheumatologist, we prospectively evaluated consecutive new patients for joint hypermobility. If one has such symptoms then, a person has hypermobility syndrome. Gastrointestinal and nutritional issues in joint hypermobility. Joint hypermobility means that some or all of a persons joints have an unusually large range of movement. Introduction benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is a hereditary connective tissue disorder defined by pain and hypermobility in multiple joints not linked to any systemic rheumatologic disease. Benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is a connective tissue disorder, with musculoskeletal symptoms in the absence of systemic rheumatologic disease and it is diagnosed by the revised. Ehlersdanlos syndrome edshypermobility type ht is considered to be the most common subtype of eds and the least severe one. Medically one person can flex the joint by more than 10 degrees.
Usually more apparent in childhood, the flexibility tends to decrease with age. Hormonal changes occurring in puberty by adolescent girls, influences the joint mobility in the hypermobility syndrome. Hypermobile ehlersdanlos syndrome genetic and rare. Jun 28, 2012 introduction benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is a hereditary connective tissue disorder defined by pain and hypermobility in multiple joints not linked to any systemic rheumatologic disease. Joint hypermobility and joint hypermobility syndrome.
It uses a simple 9 point system, where the higher the score the higher the laxity. Hypermobility of joints is also seen in marfans syndrome and ehlers danlos syndrome and hence the prefix benign to distinguish from the latter. She has years of experience as the moderator of the eds forum, and is a tireless patient advocate, traveling to conferences and giving expert testimony to congress, despite the chronic pain and limitations of eds that she lives with. It is important that children with joint hypermobility are physically active for the development of strength and fitness.
It is important to realise that it only includes a certain number of joints and the hypermobility. Please note that, when using the beighton score to diagnose generalised joint hypermobility, several additional points need to be taken into consideration. People with joint hypermobility syndrome often suffer from musculoskeletal and joint pain and soft tissue injuries like strains, sprains, tendonitis, and dislocations. Rarely, children may have a more widespread connective tissue disorder associated with their hypermobility such as marfan or ehlersdanlos syndrome. Joint hypermobility syndrome usually runs in families and cannot be prevented. Joint hypermobility syndrome joint hypermobility syndrome can include a wide and diverse array. This may also be referred to as benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs or sometimes ehlersdanlos syndrome type. Prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal. Hypermobility syndrome is highest during birth and reduces by age of 9 years old.
Formerly known as benign hypermobility joint syndrome bhjs, the condition can cause pain or discomfort after exercise. See the hypermobility syndrome test and symptoms and our physical therapy specialist answer any questions about joint hypermobility treatment. Principles and proposal for a multidisciplinary approach. The natural history of generalised joint hypermobility is. The revised brighton 1998 criteria for the diagnosis of benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs. The criteria for other types of ehlersdanlos syndrome can be found on by clicking here. Joint hypermobility is what some people refer to as having loose joints or being doublejointed.
It consists of joint hypermobility joints easily move beyond their normal expected range associated with chronic exerciserelated pain. Symptoms of hypermobility syndrome include joint pain. Benign hypermobility syndrome vs eds this excellent summary writeup is by shani weber. Boston massachusetts orthopedic surgeon doctors physician directory the joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition in which the joints easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint. Apr 02, 2018 hypermobility syndrome is highest during birth and reduces by age of 9 years old.
This syndrome is different from other disorders that cause local joint hypermobility and generalized joint laxity, such as marfan syndrome and ehlersdanlos. Because our ligaments are unstable, we have an increased tendency to have scoliosis, tmj, spinal disc problems, flat feet, and headaches. Two minor criteria will suffice where there is an unequivocally affected first degree relative. Joint hypermobility syndrome is a risk factor trait for anxiety disorders. Sep 18, 2019 although the underlying genetic cause of hypermobile ehlersdanlos syndrome is unknown, it appears to follow an autosomal dominant pattern of inheritance. Joint hypermobility syndrome is an invisible condition, but it is hard work controlling limbs that have such an extra range of movement. Cleidocranial dysostosis abnormal development of bones in the skull and clavicle down syndrome genetic condition in which a person has 47 chromosomes instead of the usual 46. Frequent joint dislocations and subluxations partial dislocation, often affecting the shoulder, kneecap, andor temporomandibular joint joint that connects the lower jaw to the skull. The 2017 international criteria for heds incorporating the beighton score for generalised joint hypermobility has been laid out below in box 2. Download joint care techniques for children pdf, 332kb what causes joint hypermobility syndrome.
Joint hypermobility syndrome american journal of medicine. For practical purposes the beighton criteria are an easy way to identify individuals. It is a common joint or muscle problem in children and young adults. Joint hypermobility jh or ligamentous laxity is felt to be an underlying risk factor for many types of musculoskeletal presentation in paediatrics, and joint hypermobility syndrome jhs. Joint hypermobility is the largest amplitude of the normal range of motion of joints, due to increased compliance of the ligaments and joint capsules. The diagnosis of benign joint hypermobility syndrome in. Hypermobility syndrome can present with a variety of musculoskeletal complaints. We would postulate that unusual or excessive exercise leads to minor injury or repetitive strain to musculotendinous or ligamentous structures in the lower limbs, which are noticed. This variation probably represents ethnic differences, but also the different ages at which joint examinations were undertaken and the different populations chosen for study. The most common symptom is joint pain, especially knee joint which often develops after physical activities or sports during which the affected joints isare used fig. Joint hypermobility syndrome treatment physical therapy. Ninepoint beighton score for joint hypermobility passive dorsiflexion of the fifth metacarpophalangeal joint to at least 90 degrees.
The researchers used a strict set of criteria for the diagnosis of generalized joint hypermobility disorder. People having hypermobility syndrome can easily get their joint fractured because of loose joints. People with hypermobility syndrome are more susceptible to injury, including dislocations and sprains. Benign joint hypermobility developing clinical significance. In any case, the resulting dysfunction disrupts the kinetic chain in which the sij is a key link. Joint hypermobility syndrome jhs, previously known as benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs, is a heritable disorder of connective tissue that comprises symptomatic hypermobility predisposing to arthralgia, soft tissue injury, and joint instability. This syndrome is thought to be an inherited connective tissue disorder. Joint hypermobility jhm may be of no medical consequence and might even confer. If you have joint hypermobility syndrome then a combination of rest, exercise and physiotherapy will often help, but drug treatments are also available if needed, including. I believe i might also have the syndrome and am having trouble finding a doctor to diagnose. Feb 22, 20 thank you so much for sharing your experiences.
The relationship between benign joint hypermobility syndrome and psychological distress. Management of pain and fatigue in the joint hypermobility. Benign joint hypermobility hipurmobilihtee syndrome is an inherited connective tissue disorder in which joints can move beyond their normal range with little effort. Hypermobility syndrome or hms is at a peak by 15 years of age in the adolescent girls and then begins to decrease. Indeed, i am lucky that i have not subluxated or dislocated any joints, as this is a regular problem for many patients with joint hypermobility syndrome. Hypermobility syndromeexercisephysical therapyactivities. The aim of this paper is to examine the clinical significance of joint hypermobility, and to suggest some diagnostic and management protocols which might be used in a chiropractic practice. Jhs is one of the welldefined polygenic heritable connective tissue disorders zweers et al.
To avoid confusion, joint hypermobility syndrome jhs is the same as eds hypermobility type and hms. More to know joint hypermobility is the ability to move joints especially the elbows, wrists, fingers, and knees beyond the normal range. About 26 percent of the students met these criteria. Pdf benign hypermobility joint syndrome or benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is a common yet poorly recognized disorder of joint in children. Low impact sports and activities such as swimming and bike riding, will be more comfortable for those who experience pain figure 2. It is a multisystem disorder which may result in a wide variety of clinical features and disabilities. Hypermobility and hence the beighton score often decreases with age, as joints become less mobile, both as a natural result of aging and because loose joints are predisposed to premature osteoarthritis, the wearandtear form of arthritis. The presence of hypermobility varies widely across different ages, ethnicities and populations.
Benign joint hypermobility syndrome bjhs is the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms in hypermobile individuals in the absence of systemic rheumatologic disease. Many people with hypermobile joints dont have any problems, and some people such as ballet dancers, gymnasts and musicians may actually benefit from the increased flexibility. The signs and symptoms of hypermobile ehlersdanlos syndrome vary but may include joint hypermobility affecting both large elbows, knees and small fingers, toes joints. The threshold for joint laxity in a young adult is ranges from 46. Joint hypermobility, when associated with symptoms is termed the joint hypermobility syndrome or hypermobility syndrome jhs. Joint hypermobility is a rarely recognised aetiology for focal or diffuse musculoskeletal symptoms. Ehlersdanlos syndrome is a genetic disorder caused by mutations or hereditary genes, but the genetic defect that produced heds is largely unknown. Joint hypermobility is defined as a condition in which most of an individuals synovial joints move beyond the normal limits taking into consideration the age, gender and ethnic background of the individual grahame, 2003a. Cleveland ohio orthopedic surgeon doctors physician directory the joint hypermobility syndrome is a condition in which the joints easily move beyond the normal range expected for a particular joint. It is perhaps unusual to be able to put ones legs behind ones neck, or to manage to put both hands flat on the floor without warming up first. The condition is more prevalent in females, with symptoms. Usually, the joints are loose and stretchy because the tissues that should make them stronger and support them are weak.