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Beighton Hypermobility Score Calculator

Calculate your Beighton score to assess joint hypermobility. This clinical tool helps identify generalized joint laxity through a series of simple flexibility tests.

Can your left little finger bend backward beyond 90°?
Can your right little finger bend backward beyond 90°?
Can your left thumb touch your forearm without assistance?
Can your right thumb touch your forearm without assistance?
Can your left elbow straighten beyond 10°?
Can your right elbow straighten beyond 10°?
Can your left knee straighten beyond 10°?
Can your right knee straighten beyond 10°?
Can you bend forward with straight knees and place your palms flat on the floor?
Enter your age in years (helps with interpretation)

How to Use This Calculator

  1. Check each box for the tests you can perform
  2. Enter your age for accurate interpretation
  3. Click Calculate to see your Beighton score
  4. Review your results and what they mean for your joint health

Scoring System

Beighton Score = Sum of positive tests (0-9)

Tests:

  • Passive dorsiflexion of little finger beyond 90° (1 point each hand)
  • Passive apposition of thumb to forearm (1 point each hand)
  • Hyperextension of elbow beyond 10° (1 point each elbow)
  • Hyperextension of knee beyond 10° (1 point each knee)
  • Forward flexion of trunk with knees straight, palms flat on floor (1 point)

Example Calculation

Real-World Scenario:

A 28-year-old patient presents with joint pain and wants to assess for hypermobility syndrome. The clinician performs the Beighton assessment.

Assessment:

  • Left little finger dorsiflexion: Positive (1 point)
  • Right little finger dorsiflexion: Positive (1 point)
  • Left thumb to forearm: Positive (1 point)
  • Right thumb to forearm: Negative (0 points)
  • Left elbow hyperextension: Positive (1 point)
  • Right elbow hyperextension: Positive (1 point)
  • Left knee hyperextension: Negative (0 points)
  • Right knee hyperextension: Positive (1 point)
  • Forward flexion: Positive (1 point)

Calculation:

Beighton Score = 1 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 1 + 0 + 1 + 1 = 7

Result: A Beighton score of 7 out of 9 indicates generalized joint hypermobility. The patient may benefit from further evaluation for hypermobility syndromes and appropriate management strategies.

Why This Calculation Matters

Practical Applications

  • Screening for generalized joint hypermobility
  • Identifying patients at risk for joint injuries
  • Assisting in diagnosis of hypermobility syndromes
  • Guiding treatment and management strategies

Key Benefits

  • Simple, non-invasive assessment tool
  • Standardized method for joint evaluation
  • Helps differentiate between normal flexibility and pathology
  • Provides baseline for monitoring changes over time

Common Mistakes & Tips

The Beighton score requires specific positioning and techniques. For accurate results, ensure that finger tests are performed passively (without active assistance), that elbows and knees are extended to their maximum, and that forward flexion is performed with knees completely straight. Consider having a healthcare professional perform the assessment for best accuracy.

Joint hypermobility is more common in children and adolescents, with scores naturally decreasing with age. The threshold for diagnosing hypermobility varies by age group. In children under 8, a score of 6 or more may be significant, while in adults, a score of 5 or more typically indicates hypermobility. Always consider age when interpreting results.

While the Beighton score provides a total assessment, pay attention to asymmetry between left and right sides. Significant differences between sides may indicate localized issues rather than generalized hypermobility. Documenting these asymmetries can provide valuable clinical information for diagnosis and treatment planning.

Frequently Asked Questions

Joint hypermobility is a condition where joints can move beyond the normal range of motion. While some degree of flexibility is normal, excessive joint laxity can lead to joint pain, instability, and increased risk of injury. In some cases, joint hypermobility may be part of a broader connective tissue disorder.

"Double-jointed" is a colloquial term often used to describe joint hypermobility, but it's somewhat misleading. People with hypermobility don't actually have extra joints. Instead, their joints have increased laxity in the supporting ligaments and connective tissues, allowing for greater range of motion. While some people with hypermobility are asymptomatic, others may experience pain, fatigue, and other symptoms.

Joint hypermobility can occur as an isolated finding or as part of various connective tissue disorders, including Ehlers-Danlos syndromes, Marfan syndrome, and osteogenesis imperfecta. Hypermobility spectrum disorders and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome are conditions where joint hypermobility is a primary feature, often accompanied by symptoms like chronic pain, fatigue, and joint instability.

Management of joint hypermobility focuses on symptom relief and injury prevention. This may include physical therapy to strengthen muscles around hypermobile joints, pain management strategies, proprioceptive training, and education on joint protection techniques. In some cases, assistive devices or orthotics may be recommended. A multidisciplinary approach involving rheumatologists, physical therapists, and other specialists is often beneficial for comprehensive care.

References & Disclaimer

Medical Disclaimer

This calculator is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be used as a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. The Beighton score is a clinical assessment tool that should be interpreted by qualified healthcare professionals. Always seek the advice of a qualified healthcare provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

References

Accuracy Notice

The Beighton score provides a standardized assessment of joint hypermobility but has limitations. It primarily assesses peripheral joints and may miss hypermobility in other areas. The score can also vary with age, gender, and activity level. This calculator should be used as a supplement to, not a replacement for, comprehensive medical evaluation by a qualified healthcare professional.

About the Author

Kumaravel Madhavan

Web developer and data researcher creating accurate, easy-to-use calculators across health, finance, education, and construction and more. Works with subject-matter experts to ensure formulas meet trusted standards like WHO, NIH, and ISO.

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