PREVALENCE OF JOINT HYPERMOBILITY IN ADOLESCENTS AND ITS ASSOCIATION WITH INJURIES AROUND THE JOINT

Abstract

Background: Joint hypermobility is common in adolescents and may predispose them to musculoskeletal injuries, yet Indian data, especially for both sexes, are limited, prompting this study to estimate GJH prevalence and its association with injuries. Methods: A cross-sectional study was conducted among 356 adolescents aged 13–15 years from three schools in Puducherry, India. Two independent evaluators assessed joint hypermobility using the Beighton (≥4/9) and Hospital del Mar (HDM) (≥4/11) criteria. Demographic details, nutritional status, and medically confirmed injuries in the past 12 months were also recorded. Data were analysed using chi-square tests, with significance set at p < 0.05. Results: The majority of participants were 15 years old (57.9%) and male (60.7%). Hypermobility was identified in 11.5% of adolescents using the Beighton score and in 11.0% using the Hospital del Mar score, with 6.2% meeting criteria on both scales. Overall, 12.1% of participants reported musculoskeletal injuries, most commonly involving the knee. Injury prevalence was significantly higher among hypermobile adolescents than non-hypermobile peers (Beighton, p = 0.009; Hospital del Mar, p = 0.036). Males sustained more injuries than females (p = 0.049), and adolescents who were overweight or underweight had higher injury rates compared with well-built participants (p = 0.010). No significant associations were observed between injury occurrence and age, socio-economic status, or urban–rural residence. Conclusion: A clinically relevant proportion of adolescents exhibited joint hypermobility, which was significantly associated with an increased risk of knee and ankle injuries, highlighting the importance of early screening, preventive strategies, and the promotion of a balanced diet to support musculoskeletal health and reduce injury risk.