Examination Methods for General Joint Laxity

• Published in: Orthopedics & Traumatology Vol. 58; no. 4; pp. 673 - 677
• Main Authors: Nishifuru, Kyota, Morimoto, Tadatsugu, Ikebe, Satoshi, Uesugi, Yuki, Kitajima, Masaru, Shigematsu, Masamori, Mawatari, Masaaki, Hotokebuchi, Takao
• Format: Journal Article
• Language: Japanese; English
• Published: West-Japanese Society of Orthopedics & Traumatology 25.09.2009
• Subjects: general joint laxity; inter-observer reliability; intra-observer reliability; intraclass correlation coefficient
• ISSN: 0037-1033; 1349-4333
• DOI: 10.5035/nishiseisai.58.673

There are various methods for evaluating general joint laxity. In this study, we used typical methods such as Carter's, Beighton's, and Tokyo University's on 40 male students of the Sports Department of Saga University. We used intraclass correlation coefficient (ICC) for statistics. The intra-observer reliability of each method was good, with the Tokyo University's method being the best. The ICC value differed vastly according to the joint. The values of thumb, shoulder, and spine were great, but those of elbow, knee, and ankle were low. Those of wrist, little finger, and hip were intermediate. In the future, there is a need to set criteria for measuring general joint laxity, and determine the joint to be measured, number of joints measured, and measurement method according to purpose.