Abstract
Background
A number of studies suggest a relationship between generalized joint laxity (GJL) and increased risk of some musculoskeletal injuries. However, there are conflicting data on the association between GJL and traumatic recurrent shoulder instability (RSI).
Questions/purposes
We therefore asked whether the incidence of GJL in patients with RSI was greater than that in a control group.
Methods
We preoperatively determined GJL with a Beighton score in 100 male patients arthroscopically treated for RSI. The mean age of the patients was 25 years. We identified a control group of 100 individuals, matched for age and gender, with no known history of instability of the shoulder, knees, or ankles and obtained the same score. Those patients with a Beighton score greater than six points were considered lax (representing GJL).
Results
We identified no difference in the rate of GJL in the two groups: 13 of the 100 patients versus nine of the 100 control subjects.
Conclusion
Our data add to the literature suggesting GJL does not predispose to RSI.
Level of Evidence
Level II, prognostic study. See Guidelines for Authors for a complete description of levels of evidence.
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Each author certifies that he has no commercial associations (eg, consultancies, stock ownership, equity interest, patent/licensing arrangements, etc) that might pose a conflict of interest in connection with the submitted article.
Each author certifies that his or her institution approved the human protocol for this investigation, that all investigations were conducted in conformity with ethical principles of research, and that informed consent for participation in the study was obtained.
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Ranalletta, M., Bongiovanni, S., Suarez, F. et al. Do Patients With Traumatic Recurrent Anterior Shoulder Instability Have Generalized Joint Laxity?. Clin Orthop Relat Res 470, 957–960 (2012). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-011-1992-x
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DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s11999-011-1992-x