THE ASSOCIATION OF SOFT-TISSUE RHEUMATISM AND HYPERMOBILITY

Soft-tissue rheumatism (STR-tendinitis. bursitis, fasciitis and fibrom yalgia) accounts for up to 25% of referrals to rheumatologists. The es timated prevalence of generalized hypermobility in the adult populatio n is 5-15%. There have previously been suggestions that hypermobile in dividuals may be predisposed to soft-tissue trauma and subsequent musc uloskeletal pain. This study was designed to examine the mobility stat us and physical activity level in consecutive rheumatology clinic atte ndees with a primary diagnosis of STR. Of 82 patients up to age 70 yr with STR, 29 (35%) met criteria for generalized hypermobility. Hypermo bile compared to non-hypermobile individuals reported significantly mo re previous episodes of STR (90% vs 51%, P < 0.01), and more recurrent episodes of STR at a single site (69% re 38%, P < 0.001). Although we were unable to show any difference in the time spent carrying out phy sical activity between the two groups, the hypermobile patients were p erforming significantly more repetitive activities. When specific anat omical sites of STR were analysed, small joints (elbows, hands and fee t) currently affected with STR were more likely to show localized hype rmobility than if those joints were asymptomatic. These findings sugge st that hypermobility may be a factor in the development of STR. Repet itive activity may be a contributing factor towards STR in some hyperm obile individuals.