Epidemiology of generalized ligamentous laxity in northwest of Iran: A pilot national study on 17–40 years old adults in Hamadan province

Abstract

BackgroundMany people suffer from ligamentous laxity even in the absence of other diseases. This is called the benign generalized ligamentous laxity. It can be a predisposing factor for musculoskeletal and joint injuries. We did this research to determine the prevalence of generalized ligamentous laxity in different ethnic groups of Hamadan province as a pilot study for a future national investigation. Materials and methodsIn this descriptive-analytical study, 378 people were selected by simple sampling in 2017 from a province in northwest of Iran. We looked for the ligamentous laxity in them with clinical examination according to Beighton's score criteria using goniometer for measuring the joint movement's angle. The population included people between 17 and 40 years old. They were from various Iranian ethnic backgrounds who were living in this province. ResultsEighty-six participants (22.8%) had generalized ligamentous laxity. Generalized ligamentous laxity was more prevalent in women (31.5% compared to 14.7% in men). The most common ligament laxity was on the fingers. Most participants with generalized ligamentous laxity (78 of 86 participants) had no knowledge of their problem and its importance in choosing the appropriate sports activities; 12 of 86 participants (14%) had a history of sports-related injuries, and 31 of 86 participants (36.5%) had a musculoskeletal disease. ConclusionThe prevalence of generalized ligamentous laxity is considerably higher in women regardless of their ethnicity. Most people are unaware of their problem. Also, the history of musculoskeletal diseases is significantly higher in people with this problem compared to those without it.