Joints hypermobility in patients with abdominal wall hernias

ABSTRACT

To study the relationship between joint hypermobility syndrome and abdominal wall hernias. 50 subjects with different types of abdominal wall hernias were compared with 50 subjects of age and sex matched control without hernia; they were studied for the presence of an associated joint hypermobility, associated joints complaints as well as other clinical features which are associated with joint hypermobility. The degree of hypermobility was determined by the methods described by Carter and Wilkinson for the presence of joint hypemoblity and modified by Beighton et al [Thumbs apposition to the flexor aspect of the forearm, little fingers hyperextension, hyperextension of the elbows and knees and forward flexion of the trunk]. There were no differences between the prevalence of the predisposing factors to hernia or the associated clinical features with joint hypermobility, between the two groups. The differeces between the total mobility score [P=0.0519] and the percent frequency distribution [0.0018] of those with normal mobility and subjects with hypermobile joints in both groups was statistically signifcant. An association between abdominal wall hernias and joint hypermobility may be proposed. More studies recruiting larger number of patients may throw more light on this issue. Currently advising subjects with increased joints laxity and hypermobility to avoid predisposing factors for the development of abdominal wall hernias may be of benefit