Beighton scoring for joint hypermobility

Last reviewed 01/2018

Beighton Scoring for joint hypermobility:

1) Passively dorsiflex the 5th metacarpophalangeal joint to =90° (R=1, L=1)

2)Oppose the thumb to the volar aspect of the ipsilateral forearm (R=1, L=1)

3) Hyperextend the elbow to =10°(R=1, L=1)

4) Hyperextend the knee to =10° (R=1, L=1)

5) Place hands flat on the floor without bending the knees (1)

Maximum = 9

Notes:

  • scoring systems provide a rough rapid guide - however they are no substitute for the careful consideration of each joint in turn. Some joints will be disproportionately lax compared to the others, which implies an additional abnormality such as shape of bony structure, perhaps as the result of a mild localised osteochondrodystrophy or abnormal proprioception, maybe summating with collagen structure.