Benign joint hypermobility syndrome among children with inguinal hernia

BACKGROUND: Benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) is a disorder due to laxity of supporting connective tissue of joints. Inguinal hernia is also proposed due to weak supporting tissue that may be a clinical presentation of a more widespread problem of connective tissue. MATERIALS AND METHODS: In a cross-sectional study, prevalence of benign hypermobility joint syndrome (BHJS) was assessed among 100 children aged 2-12 year admitted with inguinal hernia during 2010-2011. RESULTS: BJHS (Beighton score ≥ 4) were detected in most of children (92%) with inguinal hernias. CONCLUSION: BHJS amongst this population was substantially greater than reported prevalence in healthy children and due to subsequent clinical significances; it is worthy to screen such patient s for BHJS.