Joint Hypermobility in Women with Cesarean Section

Abstract

Background: Delivery modalities are importantobstetrical issues. Joint hypermobility (JHM) is a common clinical condition with striking female predominance. The aim of the study was to assess JHM in women with cesarean section (CS). Methods: This case control study included 100 women with CS and 100 women with normal vaginal delivery (NVD) matched in age and BMI. Joint mobility was measured by a blinded observer according to Beighton score. Women with joint mobility score ≥ 4 were hypermobile. Results: JHM was significantly less in women with CS than NVD group [8 (24.2%) vs 25 (75.8%), OR (95% CI), P=0.002].Total joint mobility score was significantly less in CS group (111) than in NVD group (197) (p=0.002).Joint mobility score at cut off ≤ 3 had accuracy of 59 %, with positive predictive value 55 % , sensitivity (92%), and specificity (25%). Conclusions: Joint mobility was reduced in women with CS. Joint mobility score at cut off ≤ 3 had moderate accuracy and high sensitivity to diagnose women who may need CS. This may suggest that women with more hypermobile joints may be a prognostic and facilitating factorof spontaneous vaginal birth.