Joint Hypermobility in Pediatric Practice--a Review

It has been well established that joint hypermobility may predispose children to the development of joint pain. Joint hypermobility represents an extreme variation of normal joint mobility with no underlying connective tissue diseases. Its prevalence among children varies from series to series. Evidence that there are differences between races and sexes exist. Joint hypermobility diminishes markedly throughout childhood and then more slowly during adult life. Although quantitative measurements in the assessment of joint hypermobility have been described, the criteria defined by Carter and Bird are preferred. Any subject who is able to perform 3 or more of the 5 maneuvers devised by these criteria was considered to have joint hypermobility. The mechanism in which joint symptoms develop is not well understood. Excessive motion or inappropriate physical activities that hyperextend the joint capsule, the ligaments and soft tissue constituent causing injury. These injuries are manifested by pain. The clinical features, prognosis and relevance to pediatric practice are discussed.