Association of Generalized Joint Hypermobility With a History of Glenohumeral Joint Instability

Abstract Context: Little is known about the relationship among sex, generalized joint hypermobility, and glenohumeral joint instability. Objective: To examine the relationship among sex, generalized joint hypermobility scores, and a history of glenohumeral joint instability within a young, physically active cohort and to describe the incidence of generalized joint hypermobility within this population. Design: Cross-sectional cohort study. Setting: United States Military Academy at West Point, New York. Patients or Other Participants: Of the 1311 members of the entering freshman class of 2010, 1050 (80%) agreed to participate. Main Outcome Measure(s): Generalized joint hypermobility was assessed using the Beighton Scale. A history of glenohumeral joint instability was identified via a baseline questionnaire. Results: Most participants (78%) had no signs of generalized joint hypermobility. Only 11 volunteers (1.5%) had Beighton Scale scores of 4 or greater. Logistic regression analysis revealed a relationsh...