Generalized joint hypermobility: a timely population study and proposal for Beighton cut-offs

Abstract

Beighton cut-offs for generalized joint hypermobility This editorial refers to Beighton scores and cut-offs across the lifespan: cross-sectional study of an Australian population, Harjodh Singh et al., on pages 1857–64. Interest in joint hypermobility within the performing arts, sports and medical communities has increased over the past 10 years, and this is reflected by the exponential growth in the number of publications in peer-reviewed journals over the past decade. Controversy exists over cut-off limits for generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) and whether or not GJH is a risk factor for injury. However, there is a growing evidence base for an association between GJH and musculoskeletal pain, fatigue and disability [1]. Furthermore, readers will be aware that joint laxity is also a feature of several of the hereditary disorders of connective tissue, such as Ehlers–Danlos Syndromes, Marfan Syndrome and Osteogenesis Imperfecta. The Beighton scale forms part of the diagnostic criteria for some of these syndromes. Therefore, an accurate method for identifying joint hypermobility across the lifespan, in different ethnic groups and in both males and females, is required in order to make an accurate diagnosis. The population study published in this issue of Rheumatology entitled ‘Beighton scores and cut-offs across the lifespan: cross-sectional study of an Australian population’ [2] is timely, and provides readers with a well-reasoned argument for proposed gender-specific cut-o…