Prevalence of joint hypermobility syndrome in Oman

ABSTRACT

The aim of this article is to document the prevalence of joint hypermobility and joint hypermobility syndrome [JHS] among young adults [aged 16-45 years] in a previously unstudied Middle Eastern population using observational and consecutive case studies. From 1 March to 1 April 2007, 222 young Omani men and women were interviewed at the Sohar Regional Hospital in Sohar, Oman, and examined for the five recognized features of hypermobility [i.e. laxity of the thumbs, little fingers, elbows, spine and knees] as well as 15 other musculoskeletal features. Approximately 45% of the study cohort had at least one lax joint, but only 4% possessed all five features of JHS and JHS could be diagnosed in only 6.3% of subjects. The women studied were older than the men [P<0.001], more overweight [P<0.05] and almost twice as likely to have JHS. A very high frequency [86%] of Marfanoid features was found among subjects with joint hypermobility. JHS in association with Marfanoid features appears to be a cause of musculoskeletal problems in Oman that is frequently unrecognized and may be almost twice as common in women than men