The Beighton Score is a standardized test used to assess joint hypermobility, which refers to the extent of a person’s joint flexibility. It functions as a nine-point scoring system, designed to quantify the range of motion in specific joints. This assessment helps healthcare providers understand an individual’s level of joint laxity.
Understanding Hypermobility
Joint hypermobility describes the ability of one or more joints to move beyond their typical range of motion. This increased flexibility can be a benign trait, often seen in individuals who are naturally “double-jointed” or excel in activities like dance or gymnastics. However, hypermobility exists on a spectrum; for some, it can be a characteristic of underlying connective tissue conditions. These conditions involve variations in proteins like collagen, which normally provide strength and stability to ligaments and other tissues.
The Assessment Process
The Beighton Score involves evaluating five specific maneuvers, with four of these testing both sides of the body, totaling nine possible points.
The first test involves the passive dorsiflexion of the little finger, where one point is awarded if it can bend backward beyond 90 degrees relative to the hand. Next, the thumb is assessed; a point is given if it can be passively bent to touch the forearm.
Elbow hyperextension is then measured, with one point awarded if it extends more than 10 degrees beyond a straight position. Similarly, knee hyperextension is tested, granting a point if it extends backward more than 10 degrees. The final maneuver assesses spinal flexibility: one point is given if an individual can bend forward from the waist and place their palms flat on the floor while keeping their knees fully extended.
Interpreting Your Score
While a score of 4 or more is often considered to suggest generalized hypermobility, the specific threshold can vary based on age and population. For instance, adults under 50 often have a threshold of 5/9 or greater, whereas children before puberty typically require a score of 6/9 or higher. Individuals over 50 may be considered hypermobile with a score of 4/9 or more, reflecting natural decreases in flexibility with age.
It is important to recognize that a high Beighton Score indicates joint hypermobility but does not automatically lead to a specific medical diagnosis. Many individuals with high scores experience no pain or related health issues.
Beyond the Beighton Score
The Beighton Score functions primarily as a screening tool. It is not a standalone diagnostic test for complex conditions like Hypermobility Spectrum Disorders (HSD) or Ehlers-Danlos Syndromes (EDS). Rather, it is typically used as one component within a more comprehensive clinical evaluation.
The score focuses solely on joint range of motion and does not account for symptoms such as pain, fatigue, or other systemic issues that can accompany hypermobility. If a high Beighton Score is found, especially when combined with pain or other symptoms, further medical assessment by a healthcare professional is often recommended. This broader evaluation helps determine if the hypermobility is simply a benign trait or part of a condition requiring management.