title: Relationship of joint hypermobility and musculoskeletal problems and frequency of benign joint hypermobility syndrome in children.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The majority of individuals with joint hypermobility remain asymptomatic. However, those associated with Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS), develop a number of systemic manifestations. Our objective was to determine the relationship between joint hypermobility and musculoskeletal problems, and frequency of BJHS in children and adolescents.
  
  
  METHODS
  This cross-sectional observational descriptive study was conducted at Outpatient Department, The Children's Hospital, Lahore, Pakistan. A total of 872 individuals (4-18 year) were examined for hypermobile joints using Beighton score > or = 4. A questionnaire was implied to get data regarding demographic profile, musculoskeletal and extra-articular complaints, family history of joint problems and daily activity. Brighton's criteria were implied for diagnosis of BJHS.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The frequency of joint hypermobility was 37.0%; male 39.5%, and female 34.2% (p = 0.1). There was a gradual decline in mean Beighton score with age. The female population showed increase in mean Beighton score around 16-17 year age. Arthralgias and back pains 7.7% vs. 1.6%, (p < 0.001), and hernias 2.5% (p = 0.03) were significantly higher in individuals with joint hypermobility. History of joint problems in the family was also significantly higher in children with joint hypermobility (p = 0.01). BJHS was detected in 4.8% children (male 3.6% and female 6.3%, p = 0.06). Arthralgias (51.0%), hernias (16.3%), joint dislocations (8.2%) and varicose veins (8.2%) were the most common presentations.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  BJHS is common among children. Arthralgias, back pains and hernias are significantly higher in these individuals.
authors.affiliation: The Children's Hospital and Institute of Child Health, Lahore, Pakistan. qureshiahmad@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Ahmad Usaid
authors.initials: AU
authors.lastname: Qureshi
authors.forename: Abdul
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Maalik
authors.forename: Tahir Masood
authors.initials: TM
authors.lastname: Ahmad
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000453:epidemiology; D001416:Back Pain / Q000453:epidemiology; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D015897:Comorbidity; D003430:Cross-Sectional Studies; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007593:Joint Instability / Q000453:epidemiology*; D008297:Male; D009140:Musculoskeletal Diseases / Q000453:epidemiology*