Sage Journals: Discover world-class research

Abstract

The range of movement at a joint varies between individuals. Reasons for this include inherited collagen structure in the joint capsule and ligaments, inherited shape of the bony articulating surfaces and neuromuscular tone which may be acquired and is modified by training. Methods for quantifying the range of movement at joints are described and compared, including the hyperextensometer and the Carter and Wilkinson score. Clini cal patterns of joint hyperlaxity and their correlation with aetiology are discussed.

Joint hyperlaxity may be advantageous in certain sports. Coaches need to be aware of optimum methods for improving it as well as for guarding against injury. Conversely, physio therapists may learn from sports physiologists in the manage ment of symptoms arising from patients who have hyperlax joints. Joint stability reduces the risk of injury.

Joint hyperlaxity may also be associated with premature osteoarthritis but this is not always so. Joint instability may be the most potent cause though a radiological survey of retired teachers of physical education conducted by our Unit failed to show a higher incidence of osteoarthritis after a life spent in sport than in sedentary controls. However, certain factors that place some individuals at particular risk were identified.

Get full access to this article

View all access options for this article.

References

Adams I.D. (1976). Osteoarthrosis & sport. Clinics in Rheumatic Diseases, 2, No3, 523-541

American Academy Of Orthopaedic Surgeons (1965 ). Joint motion: method of measuring & recording. Edinburgh: Livingstone

Beighton P.H. , Soloman L. and Soskolne C.L. (1973). Articular mobility in an African population. Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 32, 413-418

Bird H.A. (1979). Joint hypermobility. MD Thesis, Uni. of Cambridge

Bird H.A. (1983). Joint & tissue laxity. In: Topical Reviews in the Rheumatic Disorders, 2. Pub. by John Wright & Sons Ltd, Bristol,133-166

Bird H.A. , Brodie D.A. and Wright V. (1979). Quantification of joint laxity. Rheumatology and Rehabilitation, 18, 161-166

Bird H.A. , Hudson A. , Eastmond C.J. and Wright V. (1980). Joint laxity & osteoathrosis: a radiological survey of female physical education specialists. BrJ Sports Med, 14 No4, 179-188

Bird H.A. , Tribe C.R. and Bacon P.A. (1978). Joint hypermobility leading to osteoarthrosis & chondrocalcinosis. Annals Rheumatic Dis, 37, 203-211

Bird H.A. , Walker A. and Newton J. (1988). A controlled study of joint laxity & injury in gymnasts. J Orthopaedic Rheumatology, 1,139-145

10.

Brodie D.A. , Bird H.A. and Wright V. (1982).Joint laxity in selected athletic populations. Med & Science Sports & Exercise, 14:3,190-193

11.

Burke M.J. , Roman V. and Wright V. (1978). Bone and joint changes in lower limb amputees . Annals of Rheumatic Disezes, 37,252-254

12.

Calguneri M. , Bird H.A. and Wright V. (1982). Changes in joint laxity occurring during pregnancy . Annals of the Rheumatic Diseases, 41, 126-128

13.

Carter C. and Sweetnam R. (1958). Familial joint laxity & recurrent dislocation of the patella. J Bone & Joint Surgery, 40B, 664-667

14.

Carter C. and WilkinsonJ. (1964). Persistent joint laxity and congenital dislocation of the hip. J Bone & Joint Surgery, 46B, 40-45

15.

Finkelstein H. (1916). Joint hypotonia. N Y Med J, 104, 942

16.

Jobbins B. , Bird H.A. and Wright V. (1979). A joint hyperextensometer for the quantification of joint laxity. Engineering in Medicine, 8 No2, 103-104

17.

Murray-Leslie C.F. , Lintott D.J. , and Wright V. (1977). The knees and ankles in sport and veteran military parachutists. Annalr of the Rheumatic Diseases, 36, 327-331

Joint Hyperlaxity and its Long-Term Effects on Joints

Abstract

Get full access to this article

References