Does the Beighton Score Correlate With Specific Measures of Shoulder Joint Laxity?

Abstract

Background: Evaluation of shoulder joint laxity is an important component of the shoulder examination, especially in the setting of shoulder instability. Measures of generalized joint laxity, particularly the Beighton score, are often recorded and used to help make management decisions in these cases. However, no evidence is available to show that the Beighton score corresponds to specific measures of shoulder joint laxity. Purpose: To assess the correlation between the Beighton score and validated measures of shoulder joint laxity. Study Design: Cross-sectional study; Level of evidence, 3. Methods: A total of 160 participants (age range, 16-35 years) with no history of shoulder joint abnormality were examined. The Beighton score, glenohumeral external rotation (standing and lying), glenohumeral abduction, and the sulcus sign were recorded. The relationship between the Beighton score and each measure of shoulder joint laxity was assessed. Results: A high proportion of participants (34%) had a Beighton score of 4 or higher. Rates of positive shoulder laxity tests were lower (11%-19%). A positive Beighton score was a poor predictor of abnormal shoulder laxity, with low sensitivity (range, 0.40-0.48) and low positive predictive values (range, 0.13-0.31). Spearman correlation coefficients demonstrated poor correlation between the Beighton score and all measures of shoulder joint laxity when assessed as continuous variables (range, 0.29-0.45). Conclusion: The Beighton score has poor correlation with specific measures of shoulder joint laxity and should not be considered equivalent to these tests as a method of clinical assessment.