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Self-reported oral contraceptive use and peripheral joint laxity
M J Pokorny1, T D Smith, S A Calus
1HealthSouth Sports Medicine & Spine Center, Fairfield, Conn, USA. mattpokorny@cs.com
The Journal of Orthopaedic and Sports Physical Therapy
|December 5, 2000
Summary
Oral contraceptive use was not associated with peripheral joint laxity in women aged 20-25. This study found no significant differences in knee or hand joint laxity between oral contraceptive users and non-users.
Area of Science:
- Reproductive endocrinology and biomechanics.
Background:
- Hormones like estrogen and progesterone, present in oral contraceptives, are linked to ligamentous laxity.
- Oral contraceptive users represent a population to study hormonal effects on joint laxity.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the relationship between oral contraceptive (OC) use and peripheral joint laxity.
Main Methods:
- A posttest-only control group design was employed with 55 women (20-25 years old).
- Thirty OC users and 25 non-users were assessed for knee laxity using the KT-1000 Arthrometer.
- Hand joint laxity (PIP and DIP joints) was measured using a goniometer and subjective assessment.
Main Results:
- No statistically significant differences in knee laxity were observed between OC users and non-users.
- Peripheral joint laxity measurements in the hand (PIP and DIP joints) also showed no significant differences between the groups.
- Average knee laxity ranged from 5.7-7.9 mm, PIP joint laxity from 6.5-6.7 degrees, and DIP joint hyperextension from 28.6-29.9 degrees for both groups.
Conclusions:
- Self-reported oral contraceptive use is not associated with peripheral joint laxity in this cohort.
- Further research may explore other factors influencing joint laxity.