Patients With Generalized Joint Hypermobility Have Thinner Superior Hip Capsules and Greater Hip Internal Rotation on Physical Examination.

PURPOSE

To compare preoperative hip range of motion (ROM), hip capsular thickness on magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and bony morphology on radiographs and computed tomography (CT) between patients with and without joint hypermobility as measured by the Beighton Test score (BTS), with subanalysis based on sex and age.

METHODS

Consecutive patients who underwent hip arthroscopy for a diagnosis of femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with or without dysplasia were retrospectively reviewed. Patient BTS, hip ROM, demographics, surgical data, morphologic measures on radiographs and CT, and MRI findings including hip capsule thickness at various locations were compiled. Multiple statistical tests were performed, including multivariable linear or logistic regression models, while controlling for BTS, age, and sex.

RESULTS

In total, 99 patients were included with a mean age of 29 ± 9.9 years; 62 (62.6%), were female. Forty patients (40.4%) had a BTS ≥4. Female patients ( < .001) and younger patients (26.7 vs 30.9 years,  = .030) were more likely to have a BTS ≥4. Male patients had significantly thicker superior capsules (3.4 mm vs. 2.8 mm,  = .034). BTS was not associated with capsular thickness when controlling for sex. On CT, femoral version (18.9° vs 11.4°, < .001), and McKibben index (37.8° vs. 28.2°, < .001) were significantly greater in those with a BTS ≥4. Patients with a BTS ≥4 had more hip internal rotation at 90° of flexion (15.0° vs 10.0°, < .001), when prone (30.0° vs 20.0°,  = .004), and in extension (10.0° vs. 5.0°, < .001).

CONCLUSIONS

All female patients, regardless of Beighton score, and all patients with a BTS ≥4 indicated for primary hip arthroscopy for femoroacetabular impingement syndrome with or without dysplasia were more likely to have thinner superior hip capsules on MRI and greater hip internal rotation on exam. Bony morphologic differences exist between sexes and between patients with and without hypermobility, likely contributing to differences in ROM.

LEVEL OF EVIDENCE

III, retrospective cohort study.