Epidemiology of Generalized Ligamentous Laxity in Iran: A National Study Including Different Iranian Ethnic Groups and its Relationship with Musculoskeletal Disorders

Document Type : RESEARCH PAPER

Authors

1 Department of Orthopedics, Faculty of Medicine, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

2 Mashhad University of Medical Sciences, Mashhad, Iran

3 Research Center for Health sciences, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

4 Faculty of Medicine, Tabriz University of Medical Sciences, Tabriz, Iran

5 Bone and Joint Diseases Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Shiraz University of Medical Sciences, Shiraz, Iran

6 Orthopedic Research Center, Department of Orthopedics, Poursina Hospital, School of Medicine, Guilan University of Medical Sciences, Rasht, Iran

7 Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Faculty of Medicine, Jundishapur University of Medical Sciences, Ahvaz, Iran

8 Students Research Center, Hamadan University of Medical Sciences, Hamadan, Iran

9 Orthopedic department, Kashani hospital, Isfahan University of Medical Sciences, Isfahan, Iran

10 Department of Hand and Microsurgery, Emam Reza Hospital, AJA University of Medical Sciences, Tehran, Iran

Abstract

Background: Ligamentous laxity is a condition that leads to joints’ hypermobility beyond their average and normal 
range of motion. It can cause musculoskeletal and joint injuries. This national multi-centered study investigated the 
epidemiology of generalized ligamentous laxity and its relationship with musculoskeletal disorders among Iranian 
adults with different ethnic backgrounds.
Methods: A total of 1,488 people (age range: 17-40 years) were selected from eight cities and six different ethnicities 
of Iran and included in this cross-sectional study. The presence of ligamentous laxity with clinical examinations was 
searched according to Beighton score criteria. They were also examined for any kind of musculoskeletal disorders that 
might accompany ligamentous laxity. The Chi-square test was used to compare the frequency of ligamentous laxity based 
on gender and ethnicity; moreover, the t-test was utilized to compare the frequency of ligamentous laxity based on age.
Results: In total, 280 (18.8%) participants had generalized ligamentous laxity, and it was more prevalent in women 
(22.7%), compared to men (14.4%). Regarding ethnicity, the highest and lowest prevalence rates were in Gilak (37.9%) 
and Persian-Arab (6%) ethnicities, respectively (P<0.001). Ligamentous laxity showed a significant relationship with 
sports injury, joint complaint, joint dislocation, ligament sprain, sciatica and back pain, Baker’s cyst, and varicose veins 
(P<0.001). Most participants with generalized ligamentous laxity (93.6%) had no knowledge of their problem and its 
importance in choosing an appropriate sports activity. 
Conclusion: The prevalence of generalized ligamentous laxity seems to be relatively high among the 17-40-year-old 
population of Iran, especially in women. It seems to be significantly related to ethnicity. It is strongly recommended 
that examinations, screening, and information be provided at an early age in schools or at least in areas with a high 
prevalence as national programs. 
Level of evidence: I

Keywords

References

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The Archives of Bone and Joint Surgery
Volume 10, Issue 3
March 2022
Pages 286-292

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History

  • Receive Date: 26 September 2021
  • Revise Date: 02 January 2022
  • Accept Date: 07 February 2022

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