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Joint hypermobility in keratoconus
1Department of Optometry & Visual Science, City University, London, UK.
Summary
Patients with keratoconus exhibit increased joint hypermobility, particularly in the metacarpo-phalyngeal and wrist joints. This suggests keratoconus may stem from mild, localized connective tissue disorders affecting collagen metabolism.
Area of Science:
- Ophthalmology
- Rheumatology
- Genetics
Background:
- Keratoconus is frequently associated with connective tissue disorders like Ehlers-Danlos syndrome.
- These associations suggest a potential link between keratoconus and localized collagen metabolism dysfunction.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the incidence of joint hypermobility in keratoconus patients.
- To compare joint hypermobility in keratoconus patients with a matched control group.
Main Methods:
- Eighty-four keratoconus patients and a matched control group were assessed.
- The Beighton modification of the Carter and Wilkinson scoring system was used to evaluate joint hypermobility.
Main Results:
- No significant differences in trunk or knee joint hypermobility were observed between groups.
- Statistically significant hypermobility was found in the metacarpo-phalyngeal and wrist joints of keratoconus patients.
- Keratoconus patients were five times more likely to exhibit hypermobility in these specific joints.
Conclusions:
- The findings support the hypothesis that keratoconus represents a localized manifestation of a mild connective tissue disorder.
- Increased hypermobility in specific joints may serve as a clinical indicator associated with keratoconus.