Hypermobility in Sports
摘要
Excessive joint laxity, also known as joint hypermobility, is defined as the ability of joints to reach range of motion beyond limits that are considered normal to the rest of the population. This characteristic is seen in many inherited conditions, particularly those resulting from connective tissue disorders such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome, Marfan syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta. However, joint hypermobility can also be seen with an unspecified connective tissue disorder or as a standalone feature in otherwise healthy individuals who have no further symptoms. Joint sprains, subluxations, and dislocations are commonly reported in patients with generalized joint hypermobility, with an increased risk in athletes participating in physically demanding movements that challenge their joints to a higher degree. In young athletes, distinguishing between joint hypermobility as a benign etiology compared to secondary to an underlying etiology is important, as connective tissue disorders have the potential to manifest in organ systems outside of musculoskeletal, with potentially devastating complications. Athletes with joint hypermobility require further testing to ensure they are not at risk for cardiovascular complications secondary to connective tissue disease. If their hypermobility is found to be benign, it is commonly advantageous and can be managed by purely conservative measures.