The Beighton score is a test that measures joint hypermobility (flexibility). It is a nine-point scoring system where a higher score indicates more flexible joints.
Understanding the Beighton Score
The Beighton score is a tool used by healthcare professionals to assess the degree of joint hypermobility in an individual. This hypermobility can be a normal variation or a sign of an underlying condition, such as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS) or Hypermobility Spectrum Disorder (HSD). The test involves a series of maneuvers that evaluate the flexibility of specific joints.
Components of the Beighton Score
The Beighton score assesses the following movements:
- Pinky finger: Ability to bend the pinky finger backward to an angle of at least 90 degrees (one point for each hand).
- Thumb: Ability to touch the forearm with the thumb (one point for each hand).
- Elbow: Ability to hyperextend the elbow by more than 10 degrees (one point for each arm).
- Knee: Ability to hyperextend the knee by more than 10 degrees (one point for each leg).
- Trunk: Ability to place palms flat on the floor while keeping legs straight (one point).
How the Beighton Score is Calculated
The individual receives one point for each movement they can perform on each side of the body. The maximum possible score is nine. For example, if someone can hyperextend both elbows and knees, touch their thumbs to their forearms, and touch the floor with their palms, they would receive a high Beighton score.
Interpreting the Beighton Score
A higher Beighton score suggests greater joint hypermobility. However, a high score does not automatically indicate a medical problem. Many people with flexible joints experience no symptoms.
Example
- Bending your pinky (little) finger backward to check the joint angle.
Important Considerations
The Beighton score is just one component of a comprehensive assessment for hypermobility disorders. Other factors, such as symptoms like pain, fatigue, and other systemic manifestations, are also taken into consideration when making a diagnosis.
