Related Experiment Video

Updated: Jul 6, 2026

In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy
07:43

In Vivo Quantification of Hip Arthrokinematics during Dynamic Weight-bearing Activities using Dual Fluoroscopy

Published on: July 2, 2021

Joint hypermobility in Indian children

R P Hasija1, R P Khubchandani, S Shenoi

  • 1Pediatric Rheumatology Clinic, Jaslok Hospital & Research Center, Gopalrao Deshmukh Marg, Mumbai, India.

Clinical and Experimental Rheumatology
|March 11, 2008
PubMed

Insights

Joint hypermobility is common in Mumbai children, especially those with moderate to severe malnutrition. Hypermobile children, particularly those malnourished, report more musculoskeletal symptoms, highlighting a significant health association.

Area of Science:

  • Pediatric Rheumatology
  • Nutritional Epidemiology
  • Public Health

Background:

  • Joint hypermobility, a condition characterized by excessive joint range of motion, is increasingly recognized in pediatric populations.
  • Understanding the prevalence and associated factors of joint hypermobility is crucial for identifying at-risk children and implementing timely interventions.
  • Malnutrition is a significant public health concern in many regions, and its potential impact on musculoskeletal health warrants investigation.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To determine the prevalence of joint hypermobility among children in Mumbai, India.
  • To investigate the association between joint hypermobility and the nutritional status of these children.
  • To explore the relationship between joint hypermobility, malnutrition, and the occurrence of musculoskeletal symptoms.

Main Methods:

  • A cross-sectional study was conducted involving 829 children aged 3-19 years from lower urban socio-economic strata in Mumbai.
  • Joint hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton 9-point scoring system, with a score of ≥4/9 considered positive.
  • Nutritional status was stratified using Indian growth charts, and musculoskeletal symptoms were evaluated via parental questionnaires. Statistical significance was determined using the Chi-square test (p<0.05).

Main Results:

  • The prevalence of joint hypermobility was found to be 58.7% in the study population.
  • A significant association was observed between moderate to severe malnutrition (Grade 3 and 4) and a higher prevalence of joint hypermobility (61.5%) compared to children with normal or mild malnutrition (36.8%).
  • Hypermobile children, particularly those with moderate to severe malnutrition, reported a higher incidence of musculoskeletal symptoms (26.1%) compared to their non-hypermobile counterparts (17.7%).

Conclusions:

  • The study identified a high prevalence of joint hypermobility in Mumbai's pediatric population.
  • Moderate to severe malnutrition is significantly associated with joint hypermobility in children.
  • Joint hypermobility is linked to an increased risk of musculoskeletal symptoms, especially in malnourished children.
Abstract

Related Concept Videos

Joints01:26

Joints

Joints, also called articulations or articular surfaces, are points at which ligaments or other tissues connect adjacent bones. Joints permit movement and stability, and can be classified based on their structure or function.
Structural joint classifications are based on the material that makes up the joint as well as whether or not the joint contains a space between the bones. Joints are structurally classified as fibrous, cartilaginous, or synovial.
Fibrous Joints Are Immovable
The bones of a...
Development of the Limb Synovial Joints01:07

Development of the Limb Synovial Joints

Joints form during embryonic development in conjunction with the formation and growth of the associated bones. The embryonic tissue that gives rise to all bones, cartilage, and connective tissues of the body is called mesenchyme.
The mesenchymal stem cells differentiate into chondrocytes that form the hyaline cartilage, and later the cartilaginous model of the bone. This model further transforms into a bone. This process is known as endochondral ossification.
During development, the limbs...
Ankle Joint01:10

Ankle Joint

The ankle is formed by the talocrural joint (crural = leg). It consists of the articulations between the talus bone of the foot and the distal ends of the tibia and fibula of the leg. The superior aspect of the talus bone is square-shaped and has three areas of articulation. The top of the talus articulates with the inferior tibia. This is the portion of the ankle joint that carries the body weight between the leg and foot. The sides of the talus are firmly held in position by the articulations...
Knee Joint01:23

Knee Joint

The knee joint is the most complicated joint in the body. It consists of three articulations– two tibiofemoral and one patellofemoral. As is characteristic of synovial joints, the knee joint has a thin articular capsule that partially surrounds this joint cavity. Additionally, several ligaments, muscles, and cartilaginous structures support the movement of the knee.
A total of seven ligaments support the knee joint. The patellar ligament, which is also attached to the quadriceps femoris group...
Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints01:17

Structural Joints: Cartilaginous Joints

As the name indicates, at a cartilaginous joint, the adjacent bones are united by cartilage, a tough but flexible type of connective tissue. Unlike synovial joints, these types of joints lack a joint cavity and involve bones joined together by either hyaline cartilage or fibrocartilage.
There are two types of cartilaginous joints:
Synchondrosis
A synchondrosis ("joined by cartilage") is a cartilaginous joint where bones are connected by hyaline cartilage. Synchondrosis may be temporary or...
Movement Joints in Buildings01:27

Movement Joints in Buildings

Movement joints in buildings are essential design elements that accommodate inevitable motions caused by various factors such as temperature changes, moisture content variations, and structural deflections. These motions, if not considered in design and construction, can lead to unsightly or dangerous damage. Movement joints are incorporated in different forms to manage these stresses and allow materials to move without causing distress.
The simplest type of movement joints, working joints, are...