Increased Generalized Joint Hypermobility Is Related To History Of Glenohumeral Joint Instability.

Abstract

BACKGROUND: Little is known about the relationship between gender, race, generalized joint hypermobility and glenohumeral joint instability. PURPOSE: The purpose of this study was to describe the patterns of generalized joint hypermobility within a young, physically active cohort, and to examine the relationship between gender, race, generalized joint hypermobility scores, and history of glenohumeral joint instability within this population. METHODS: A cross-sectional analysis was performed to examine the relationship between gender, race, generalized joint hypermobility, and history of glenohumeral joint instability using baseline data collected on 714 subjects as part of a larger prospective cohort study to evaluate the risk factors for shoulder instability. A multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the relationship between measures of generalized joint hypermobility and history of glenohumeral joint instability while controlling for gender and race. RESULTS: Logistic regression analysis revealed a significant relationship between generalized joint hypermobility and history of glenohumeral joint instability (C2 = 5.16, df = 1, P = 0.023). Subjects with a total Beighton Scale score ≥2 were nearly two and a half times as likely (OR = 2.48, 95% CI = 1.19-5.20, P = 0.016) to have experienced glenohumeral joint instability prior to arrival at the United States Military Academy when controlling for gender and race. A significant relationship was observed between gender and measures of generalized joint hypermobility. Females had significantly higher total Beighton Scale scores than males. Gender (C2 = 0.196, df = 1, P = 0.658) and race (C2 = 0.714, df = 1, P = 0.410) were not related to history of glenohumeral joint instability. CONCLUSIONS: This investigation provides preliminary evidence in support of the relationship between generalized joint hypermobility and glenohumeral joint instability while controlling for the influence of gender and race. Further prospective research is needed to confirm this relationship.