Joint hypermobility syndrome in childhood. A not so benign multisystem disorder?
Abstract
Objectives 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) describes such disorders where symptoms become chronic, often more generalized and associated with functional impairment. Clinical features are felt to have much in common with more severe disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), osteogenesis imperfecta and Marfan syndrome, although this has not been formally studied in children. We defined the clinical characteristics of all patients with joint hypermobility-related presentations seen from 1999 to 2002 in a tertiary referral paediatric rheumatology unit. Methods Patients were identified and recruited from paediatric rheumatology clinic and ward, and a dedicated paediatric rheumatology hypermobility clinic at Great Ormond Street Hospital. Data were collected retrospectively on the patients from the paediatric rheumatology clinics (1999-2002) and prospectively on patients seen in the hypermobility clinic (2000-2002). Specifically, historical details of developmental milestones, musculoskeletal or soft tissue diagnoses and symptoms, and significant past medical history were recorded. Examination features sought included measurements of joint and soft tissue laxity, and associated conditions such as scoliosis, dysmorphic features, cardiac murmurs and eye problems. Results One hundred and twenty-five children (64 females)…
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A study of 1039 adults from the general population found no association between GJH and signs of ADHD, ASD or DCD.
“To our knowledge, only one study has evaluated the link between joint hypermobility and subclinical NDPs. This study, with a large sample (n = 1039) of adults from the general population, found no association between GJH and signs of ADHD, ASD or DCD. 48”
From No association between joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal pain and neurodevelopmental problems in a school-based sample of 11-year-old children (2025) · cites this paper as [48]
Only one study has evaluated the link between joint hypermobility and subclinical NDPs.
“To our knowledge, only one study has evaluated the link between joint hypermobility and subclinical NDPs. This study, with a large sample (n = 1039) of adults from the general population, found no association between GJH and signs of ADHD, ASD or DCD. 48”
From No association between joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal pain and neurodevelopmental problems in a school-based sample of 11-year-old children (2025) · cites this paper as [48]
Our results from analysis of subclinical NDPs align with the aforementioned observations in adults.
“Our results from analysis of subclinical NDPs align with the aforementioned observations in adults. 48”
From No association between joint hypermobility, musculoskeletal pain and neurodevelopmental problems in a school-based sample of 11-year-old children (2025) · cites this paper as [48]
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Glans, M. R., Aziz, A., Kindgren, E., Knez, R., Landgren, M., & Landgren, V. (2025) · BJPsych Open · doi:10.1192/bjo.2025.10881
- Authors
- Adib, N., Davies, K., Grahame, R., Woo, P., & Murray, K. J.
- Affiliations
- University of Manchester (GB)
- Great Ormond Street Hospital (GB)
- Corresponding author
- Adib, N.
- Venue
- Rheumatology
- Publisher
- Oxford University Press (OUP)
- Published
- 2005-02-22
- Volume
- 44
- Issue
- 6
- Pages
- 744-750
- ISSN
- 1462-0324 (ISSN-L)
- 1462-0332
- OpenAlex
- W2126892836
- Cited by
- 356
- References
- 4
- Citations by year
- 2026: 5 · 2025: 11 · 2024: 11 · 2023: 23 · 2022: 15 · 2021: 18 · 2020: 25 · 2019: 18 · 2018: 14 · 2017: 22 · 2016: 19 · 2015: 21 · 2014: 31 · 2013: 28 · 2012: 17
- FWCI
- 5.39
- Type
- journal article
- Language
- en
- Open access
- closed
- Locations
- Lara D. Veeken (publishedVersion)
- PubMed (publishedVersion)
- UCL Discovery (University College London) (submittedVersion)
- Topics
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Connective tissue disorders research
- Life Sciences › Biochemistry, Genetics and Molecular Biology › Genetics › Dermatological and Skeletal Disorders
- Health Sciences › Health Professions › Pharmacy › Oral and gingival health research
- Keywords
- joint hypermobility syndrome, ligamentous laxity, childhood, Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, osteogenesis imperfecta, Marfan syndrome, delayed diagnosis, joint pain, scoliosis, dysmorphic features, heart murmurs, eye problems, developmental delay, pediatric rheumatology, multisystem disease, hip laxity
- MeSH terms
- Adolescent, Child, Child, Preschool, Female, Gait, Humans, Joint Instability, Joints, Male, Pain, Prospective Studies, Retrospective Studies, Time Factors, Exercise, Age of Onset, Arthralgia
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