Hypermobility among Egyptian children: prevalence and features.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the prevalence, clinical manifestations, and possible associated features of hypermobility among Egyptian children in a prospective study.

METHODS: Nine hundred ninety-seven healthy children from 4 different educational areas for primary and presecondary schools were screened for the presence of hypermobility. A hypermobility score was used to denote the degree of laxity. Sites and possible clinical associations of hypermobility were determined.

RESULTS: The presence of hypermobility was 16. 1% among Egyptian children. Hypermobility was more frequent among girls (18%). than boys (14.4%), although the difference was not statistically significant. Age was inversely correlated with the frequency of hypermobility (r = 4).967, p < 0.001) and degree of joint laxity (r = -0.789, p < 0.01). Hypermobility was most prevalent in fingers (96.9%) and least prevalent in knee joints (3.1%). Hypermobility was statistically more frequent in nondominant than dominant fingers (p < 0.002). Arthralgia, high palate, flat feet, Raynaud's phenomenon, and easy bruising were more common among the hypermobility group.

CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that hypermobility is not uncommon among Egyptian children. Increased awareness of the condition is needed among pediatricians and other concerned physicians.