Prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility, hypermobility spectrum disorders and Ehlers-Danlos syndrome: systematic review and meta-analysis.
Ida Carnerup, Elisabeth Bondesson, Eric Ahl et al.
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In 30 seconds
This systematic review and meta-analysis assessed the prevalence of generalized joint hypermobility (GJH), hypermobility spectrum disorder (HSD) and hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (hEDS). Seventeen studies were included after screening 3,633 unique records. Pooled GJH prevalence was 9.5% in females (95% CI: 5.5; 15.8) and 5.2% in males (95% CI: 3.0; 9.0). Estimates showed considerable heterogeneity. Evidence was insufficient for a robust estimate in people aged 51 and older, and only one study assessed HSD and hEDS, limiting conclusions about their population prevalence.
Key findings
- Pooled GJH prevalence was 9.5% in females (95% CI: 5.5; 15.8; I² 95.5 %) and 5.2% in males (95% CI: 3.0; 9.0; I² 94.8).
- Only one study assessed HSD and hEDS in adults aged 18-50 years, reporting HSD prevalence of 38% in females and 39% in males.
- That study reported hEDS prevalence of 2% in females and 0% in males; the evidence did not support robust population-level conclusions for HSD or hEDS.
- Evidence for GJH prevalence in people aged 51 and older was insufficient for a robust estimate.
Why it matters
Prevalence estimates help frame the potential population burden of hypermobility conditions and the need for appropriate recognition and health-service planning. The review suggests GJH is common, but substantial variation between studies limits confidence in pooled estimates. The sparse evidence for HSD and hEDS leaves their population prevalence particularly uncertain.
What to keep in mind
The GJH estimates had considerable heterogeneity and broad prediction intervals. Evidence was insufficient for people aged 51 and older, and HSD and hEDS prevalence estimates relied on a single study.