Abstract
A hypermobile joint is one whose range of movement exceeds the norm for that individual, taking into consideration age, sex, and ethnic background. The maximal range of movement that a joint is capable of is determined by the tightness or otherwise of the restraining ligaments. Thus, the primary cause of hypermobility is ligamentous laxity. This is inherent in a person’s make up and is determined by their fibrous protein genes. Of particular importance in this respect are the genes that encode collagen, elastin, and fibrillin.
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