Wynne Davies Ligamentous Laxity JBJS 1970
Original Paper
2486 individuals examined
- aged 1 week to 18 years
- at birth - no child lax jointed by criteria
- 2 years - 45% of normal children lax jointed
- 6 years - only 5% of normal children had lax joints
- 12 years - <1% of normal children had lax joints
Criteria
If 3 of the 5 pairs of joints examined in any one individual showed this degree of laxity it is taken as positive
1. Thumb touching forearm on flexing wrist
2. Fingers parallel to forearm with wrist extension
3. Elbows extend past 180°
4. Knees extend past 180°
5. Foot dorsiflex past 45°