Assessment of systemic joint laxity in the clinical context: Relevance and replicability of the Beighton score in chronic fatigue

BACKGROUND: Persistent symptoms in patients with systemic joint laxity (SJL) are often equivalent with complications. Screening for SJL is an important part of the assessment of musculoskeletal phenotype. The common measuring tool, the Beighton score (BS), still has unclear evidence. OBJECTIVE: To assess the Beighton score in a clinical context for (1) ability to classify SJL as absent or present (criterion validity), and (2) interrater reliability (physician-physiotherapist), for a dichotomous cut-off (yes/no), as well as for interpretation in categories (no, some, clear SJL). METHODS: This real-world observational study included 149 consecutive patients seeking secondary care for investigation of possible myalgic encephalomyelitis/chronic fatigue syndrome. Assessment was done during a routine examination. Data were evaluated with Cohen’s kappa and Spearman’s rho. RESULTS: BS criterion validity showed poor agreement with the assessment of SJL: percentage agreement was 74 % and kappa 0.39 (3-cut level), 73 % and kappa 0.39/0.45 (4-/5-cut level). The best interrater reliability was moderate (rho 0.66) for interpretation in categories. CONCLUSIONS: The BS alone was not a reliable proxy for SJL and should be supplemented with a targeted history. Nevertheless, its interrater reliability was acceptable, and the categorised score appears to have greater clinical relevance than the dichotomous score.

Femoroacetabular translation in female athletes and dancers assessed by dynamic hip ultrasonography

ObjectiveTo compare femoroacetabular (FA) translation between dancers and athletes with hip pain and between dancers with and without hip pain.MethodsIn this cross-sectional study, 171 female athletes and dancers with hip pain underwent dynamic hip ultrasound (DHUS) of FA translation in three positions: neutral (N), neutral with contralateral hip flexion (NF), apprehension position with contralateral hip flexion (EER-F). Multivariable linear regression analysis was used to assess variation in FA translation between dancers and athletes in the presence of age, Beighton score/hypermobility, BMI, radiographic markers of acetabular dysplasia and femoral version angles. Symptomatic dancers were matched to asymptomatic dancer controls on age, height and BMI, and comparison analyses of FA translation were conducted controlling for matched propensity score and Beighton score.ResultsIn the symptomatic cohort, dancers were younger, had higher Beighton scores and were more hypermobile than non-dancers. Dancers also showed greater NF, EER-F and max US–min US (delta) compared with non-dancers (mean 5.4 mm vs 4.4 mm, p=0.02; mean 6.3 mm vs 5.2 mm, p=0.01; 4.2 mm vs 3.6 mm, p=0.03, respectively). Symptomatic dancers showed greater NF and EER-F compared with asymptomatic dancers (mean 5.5 mm vs 2.9 mm, p<0.001; mean 6.3 mm vs 4.2 mm, p<0.001, respectively). Comparison of symptomatic dancers with and without hip dysplasia showed no difference in DHUS measurements.ConclusionDHUS measurements of FA translation are greater in female dancers with hip pain relative to female non-dancer athletes with hip pain and asymptomatic female dancers.

Assessment of cerebral blood flow in children with myopia in combination with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia

Background. In practice, patients with numerous undifferentiated forms of connective tissue dysplasia are more common. With regard to the combination of myopia and undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, one of the links in the mechanism of origin of this refractive anomaly is decreased thickness of the sclera and a change in its elastic parameters. Myopia in children often occurs against the background of impaired blood supply to the visual analyzer associated with circulatory pathology in the vertebral vessels. The purpose was to evaluate cerebral blood flow in patients with myopia in combination with undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia. Materials and methods. The study involved 86 children (170 eyes) diagnosed with progressive myopia. All patients were consulted by related specialists to detect undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia and underwent a complete ophthalmological exa-mination. The diagnostic coefficient of expression of phenotypic and clinical signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia was also determined using the expert table of T. Kadurina. Results. Phenotypic and clinical signs of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia were noted in 41 (100 %) cases when evaluating according to the criteria of T. Mil-kovskaya-Dimitrova and T. Kadurina, and in 34 (83.0 %) children du-ring screening for joint hypermobility on Beighton score. As for increased axial length of the eye in the examined patients with myopia and undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, it was noted that an increase had a direct correlation with the severity of undifferentiated connective tissue dysplasia, with the greatest correlation obtained in children with pronounced phenotypic manifestations in the musculoskeletal system (correlation coefficient was 0.83). Chemical regulation of carotid artery tone (respiratory failure test) is altered in the vast majority of patients with myopia. Conclusions. All children with progressive myopia are re-commended to be examined by related specialists to identify undif-ferentiated connective tissue dysplasia and hemodynamic disorders. Only a comprehensive approach to this refractive anomaly can be effective in combating its progression.

Comparing sagittal plane kinematics and kinetics of gait and stair climbing between hypermobile and non-hypermobile people; a cross-sectional study

Background Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (JHS) presents with a range of symptoms including widespread joint hypermobility and chronic arthralgia. The study objective was to investigate whether impairments in JHS are due to hypermobility or another factor of JHS by identifying impairments in gait and stair-climbing tasks; an activity that is demanding and so may better show differences between the cohorts. Methods Sixty-eight adults participated; 23 JHS, 23 Generalised Joint Hypermobility (GJH), and 22 Normal Flexibility (NF). Inclusion criteria for JHS participants were a positive classification using the Brighton Criteria, for GJH a Beighton Score ≥ 4, and for NF a Beighton Score < 4 with no hypermobile knees. Participants were recorded with a 10-camera Vicon system whilst they performed gait and stair-climbing. Temporal-spatial, and sagittal plane kinematic and kinetic outcome measures were calculated and input to statistical analyses by statistical parametric mapping (SPM). Results During the gait activity JHS had significantly greater stride time and significantly lower velocity than NF, and significantly greater stride time, lower velocity, and lower stride length than GJH. SPM analysis showed no significant differences between groups in gait kinematics. There were significant differences between groups for gait moments and powers; people with JHS tended to have lower moments and generate less power at the ankle, and favour power generation at the knee. A similar strategy was present in stair ascent. During stair descent people with JHS showed significantly more hip flexion than people with NF. Conclusions As there was only one significant difference between GJH and NF we conclude that impairments cannot be attributed to hypermobility alone, but rather other factor(s) of JHS. The results show that both gait and stair-climbing is impaired in JHS. Stair-climbing results indicate that JHS are using a knee-strategy and avoiding use of the ankle, which may be a factor for clinicians to consider during treatment.

Generalized Joint Hypermobility: A Review

Generalized Joint Hypermobility (GJH) is a condition where most of an individual’s synovial joints are found to have a range of motion (ROM) beyond their normal limits. Like most human traits, joint hypermobility is multifactorial resulting from a combination of environmental factors (eg. age, trauma, injury, conditioning, infection, inflammation) and multiple genetic factors, each contributing a small amount to the total phenotype. Clinical features of JHS are mainly associated to the connective tissue and can either be articular or extra-articular. The Beighton 9-point scoring system – also referred to as the modified or revised Beighton score – is a widely accepted method used to define GJH. Management of Generalized Joint Hypermobility is multidisciplinary which requires a team of physicians, physiotherapists, occupational therapists and podiatrists, among others. Physical therapy rehabilitation comprising of core stabilizing, joint stabilizing, strengthening and proprioception enhancing exercise coupled with general fitness program form the basis of GJH management. Keywords: Generalized Joint Hypermobility, Beighton Score, Joint Hypermobility.

The Relationship Between Beighton Score and Walking Age in Children

Introduction: Studies showed that the condition of joint hypermobility is quite common in children. In general, joint hypermobility asses through the Beighton score method. The objective of this research was to investigate the relationship between beighton score and walking age in children.Method: This research was conducted at a kindergarten in Surabaya using an observational analytic research type and a cross-sectional design. Data collected through interviews and physical examinations. A joint hypermobility examination performed using the Beighton score criteria. Meanwhile data was analyzed using the crosstabulation and Spearman test.Result: It was found that 84% of children had ≥4/9 score on the Beighton score and there were 92% with positive Beighton score in the knee joint. In this study, as many as 20 children experienced the first independent walks over 18 months when 18 of them who has Beighton score ≥4 points. However, there is no correlation found on the Beighton score and the walking age [sig. (2-tailed) = 0.053].Conclusion: Children who have ≥4 points of Beighton score are mostly found in this study. The relationship between the Beighton score and walking age was not statistically significant.

Proprioceptive imprecision in Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome does not affect the extent of sensorimotor plasticity

SummaryPurposeTo explore the effect of joint hypermobility on acuity, and plasticity, of hand proprioception.Materials and MethodsWe compared proprioceptive acuity between EDS patients and controls. We then measured any changes in their estimate of hand position after participants adapted their reaches in response to altered visual feedback of their hand. The Beighton Scale was used to quantify the magnitude of joint hypermobility.ResultsThere were no differences between the groups in the accuracy of estimates of hand location, nor in the visually-induced changes in hand location. However, EDS patients’ estimates were less precise when based purely on proprioception and could be moderately predicted by Beighton score.ConclusionsEDS patients are less precise at estimating their hand’s location when only afferent information is available, but the presence of efferent signalling may reduce this imprecision. Those who are more hypermobile are more likely to be imprecise. This deficit likely has peripheral origins since we found no differences in the extent of sensorimotor plasticity.

Copers and Noncopers Use Different Landing Techniques to Limit Anterior Tibial Translation After Anterior Cruciate Ligament Reconstruction

Background: At 1 year after anterior cruciate ligament reconstruction (ACLR), two-thirds of patients manage to return to sports (copers), whereas one-third of patients do not return to sports (noncopers). Copers and noncopers have different muscle activation patterns, and noncopers may not be able to control dynamic anterior tibial translation (ATTd) as well as copers. Purpose/Hypothesis: To investigate whether (1) there is a positive correlation between passive ATT (ATTp; ie, general joint laxity) and ATTd during jump landing, (2) whether ATTd is moderated by muscle activating patterns, and (3) whether there is a difference in moderating ATTd between copers and noncopers. We hypothesized that patients who have undergone ACLR compensate for ATTd by developing muscle strategies that are more effective in copers compared with noncopers. Study Design: Controlled laboratory study. Methods: A total of 40 patients who underwent unilateral ACLR performed 10 single-leg hops for distance with both legs. Lower body kinematic and kinetic data were measured using a motion-capture system, and ATTd was determined with an embedded method. Muscle activity was measured using electromyographic signals. Bilateral ATTp was measured using a KT-1000 arthrometer. In addition, the Beighton score was obtained. Results: There was no significant correlation between ATTp and ATTd in copers; however, there was a positive correlation between ATTp and ATTd in the operated knee of noncopers. There was a positive correlation between the Beighton score and ATTp as well as between the Beighton score and ATTd in both copers and noncopers in the operated knee. Copers showed a negative correlation between ATTd and gastrocnemius activity in their operated leg during landing. Noncopers showed a positive correlation between ATTd and knee flexion moment in their operated knee during landing. Conclusion: Copers used increased gastrocnemius activity to reduce ATTd, whereas noncopers moderated ATTd by generating a smaller knee flexion moment. Clinical Relevance: This study showed that copers used different landing techniques than noncopers. Patients who returned to sports after ACLR had sufficient plantar flexor activation to limit ATTd.

Association of Ligamentous Laxity, Male Sex, Chronicity, Meniscal Injury, and Posterior Tibial Slope With a High-Grade Preoperative Pivot Shift: A Post Hoc Analysis of the STABILITY Study

Background: A spectrum of anterolateral rotatory laxity exists in anterior cruciate ligament (ACL)–injured knees. Understanding of the factors contributing to a high-grade pivot shift continues to be refined. Purpose: To investigate factors associated with a high-grade preoperative pivot shift and to evaluate the relationship between this condition and baseline patient-reported outcome measures (PROMs). Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A post hoc analysis was performed of 618 patients with ACL deficiency deemed high risk for reinjury. A binary logistic regression model was developed, with high-grade pivot shift as the dependent variable. Age, sex, Beighton score, chronicity of the ACL injury, posterior third medial or lateral meniscal injury, and tibial slope were selected as independent variables. The importance of knee hyperextension as a component of the Beighton score was assessed using receiver operator characteristic curves. Baseline PROMs were compared between patients with and without a high-grade pivot. Results: Six factors were associated with a high-grade pivot shift: Beighton score (each additional point; odds ratio [OR], 1.17; 95% CI, 1.06-1.30; P = .002), male sex (OR, 2.30; 95% CI, 1.28-4.13; P = .005), presence of a posterior third medial (OR, 2.55; 95% CI, 1.11-5.84; P = .03) or lateral (OR, 1.76; 95% CI, 1.01-3.08; P = .048) meniscal injury, tibial slope >9° (OR, 2.35; 95% CI, 1.09-5.07; P = .03), and chronicity >6 months (OR, 1.70; 95% CI, 1.00-2.88; P = .049). The presence of knee hyperextension improved the diagnostic utility of the Beighton score as a predictor of a high-grade pivot shift. Tibial slope <9° was associated with only a high-grade pivot in the presence of a posterior third medial meniscal injury. Patients with a high-grade pivot shift had higher baseline 4-Item Pain Intensity Measure scores than did those without a high-grade pivot shift (mean ± SD, 11 ± 13 vs 8 ± 14; P = .04); however, there was no difference between groups in baseline International Knee Documentation Committee, ACL Quality of Life, Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score, or Knee injury and Osteoarthritis Outcome Score subscale scores. Conclusion: Ligamentous laxity, male sex, posterior third medial or lateral meniscal injury, increased posterior tibial slope, and chronicity were associated with a high-grade pivot shift in this population deemed high risk for repeat ACL injury. The effect of tibial slope may be accentuated by the presence of meniscal injury, supporting the need for meniscal preservation. Baseline PROMs were similar between patients with and without a high-grade pivot shift.