Prevalence of hypermobility in children and adolescents aged 10-13 years in correlation with postural defects-a preliminary report.

INTRODUCTION

Joint hypermobility, defined as excessive joint range of motion, may be asymptomatic or associated with musculoskeletal complaints and postural abnormalities. Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome (BJHS) is diagnosed according to the Brighton criteria. The aim of the study was to determine the prevalence of hypermobility among Polish children aged 10-13 years and its association with postural defects and pain complaints.

MATERIALS AND

METHODS

The study included 100 children (51% girls, 49% boys). The Beighton Scale, Brighton criteria, postural assessment, and knee and foot tests were used. Data were analyzed using χ 2 tests, Z-tests, Kruskal-Wallis test, Spearman correlation, with p < 0.05 considered statistically significant.

RESULTS

Joint hypermobility was identified in 35% of participants, more frequently in girls. Full-symptom BJHS was rare (<5%), whereas 39% of children met major or minor Brighton criteria. Excessive joint mobility was correlated with mild postural abnormalities (ρ = 0.21-0.35; p < 0.05). In multivariable logistic regression adjusted for age and sex, the association between Beighton score and clinical signs suggestive of scoliosis was no longer statistically significant (aOR = 1.25; 95% CI: 0.91-1.70; p = 0.164). Children with higher Beighton scores more often reported pain and joint instability.

CONCLUSION

Joint hypermobility is present in a significant proportion of children, more commonly in girls, and is associated with mild postural deformities and musculoskeletal complaints. Early diagnosis and individualized preventive strategies may reduce the risk of chronic pain development and progression of postural defects.