Joint Hypermobility Syndrome of Knee or Double Jointed Knee

The joint hypermobility syndrome of knee is a condition where the knee joint can be moved easily beyond its expected normal range.¹ Joint hypermobility syndrome is thought to be benign condition. About 10% of children, which are normal in other ways, have hypermobile joints. Hypermobile joints are also known as “loose joints,” and patients who are affected are referred to as being “double jointed.” So, patients with joint hypermobility syndrome of knee are referred to as having double jointed knee.

Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee is usually an inherited condition, which occurs when certain genes are passed on to the children by their parents. There are certain genes which increase the tendency of the patient to develop hypermobile joints or joint hypermobility syndrome of knee. So, having a family history of joint hypermobility syndrome increases the risk of having Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee. Genes which are responsible for collagen production, which is a vital protein that holds the tissues together, are thought to play a role.

Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee is a part of an inherited, rare and more significant disease known as Ehlers-Danlos syndrome (EDS), where the patient suffers from weakness of the connective tissues along with joint hypermobility.²

As the knee joints have the capacity of excessive motion or patients suffering from joint hypermobility syndrome are capable of moving their joints beyond their normal range, they are more prone to injury. Symptoms of the Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee include knee pain with an increased risk of dislocation of the knee joint and sprain of the knee joint. Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee tends to decrease as a person ages, as the natural flexibility of a person declines. Patients with Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee can place their palms on the floor while keeping the knees in full extension. Patients can also hyperextend the knee joint beyond 10 degrees.

The diagnosis of Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee is made by examining the affected knee joints and seeing how easily they move beyond their expected normal range of motion, such as the knee joint can easily move backwards beyond its normal range of movement. As of now, there are no blood tests for diagnosing joint hypermobility syndrome of knee.

Doctors or specialists which treat joint hypermobility syndrome of knee include family medicine doctors, general-medicine doctors, orthopedists, rheumatologists, and physical-medicine doctors.

Most of the times, patient does not have any symptoms from Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee and thus no treatment is needed. There is improvement in Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee, as the patient moves into adulthood. Treatment is customized according to each patient based on their particular needs and symptoms. If the patient is having symptoms, such as knee pain, then medications can be prescribed for relief of pain and inflammation. It is important that the patient follow a proper fitness exercise program, which is customized especially according to the patient so that injury can be avoided to the knee joints. In some cases, physical therapy can also help during rehab if there is any injury to the knee joints along with preventing re-injury.

As Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee is largely an inherited condition, it is not possible to prevent it. However, if the patient is experiencing symptoms from joint hypermobility syndrome of the knee, then it is definitely possible to prevent pain and injury by avoiding trauma and getting the right treatment done at the right time.

Most of the times, the prognosis is good, as there are no long-term consequences of having Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee. However, in some cases, joint hypermobility syndrome of knee can cause pain in the knee joint. As time passes, the Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee can lead to arthritis and degenerative cartilage. Patients with joint hypermobility syndrome of knee are at a higher risk for injury, such as sprained ligaments and knee joint dislocation.

• The Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee is a medical condition characterized by knee joints which move easily beyond the normal range of their motion.
• This condition is often inherited.
• Some of the symptoms of Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee are pain in the knees.
• In many patients, Joint hypermobility syndrome of knee or double jointed knee, does not produce any symptoms, hence no treatment is needed. Treatment is also designed according to each patient and their individual needs.

References:  

Also Read:

• Hypermobility Syndrome: Exercise, Physical Therapy, Activities to Avoid, Epidemiolgy