Understanding the Beighton Score Assessment
To quantify **generalized joint hypermobility** (laxity) across the body. The wrist/hand components assess passive joint laxity.
Watch How It's Done
How do I start?
Patient is sitting or standing.
What happens?
The components relevant to the hand/wrist are: **1)** Passive dorsiflexion of the little finger (MCP joint) beyond 90° (1 point per side). **2)** Passive apposition of the thumb to the forearm (1 point per side).
Clinical Accuracy
High
High
Source: Beighton et al. (1973)
In Plain English
What Does a Positive Result Mean?
A positive test is indicated by meeting the specified range criteria for each component (e.g., thumb touching the forearm). A total score of 4/9 or more usually indicates generalized hypermobility.
Helpful Tip:
This test is a screening tool for connective tissue disorders or congenital laxity.
Safety First
This guide is to help you understand what happens in a clinic. Do not try to diagnose yourself. If you have severe pain, swelling, or cannot put weight on your leg, please visit an urgent care center or your doctor immediately.
Other Wrist/Hand Tests
Bunnell-Littler Test (or Finochietto-Bunnell Test)
To differentiate between **Intrinsic Muscle tightness** (interossei and lumbricals) and **Capsular restriction** at the proximal interphalangeal (PIP) joint.
De Quervain's Tenosynovitis
This is the **condition name** (inflammation of the APL and EPB tendons), not a specific test. The Finkelstein Test is the primary diagnostic test.
Elson Test
To assess the integrity of the **Central Slip** of the Extensor Digitorum Communis (EDC) tendon, rupture of which leads to a Boutonniere deformity.
Figure of Eight Measurement of the Hand
To quantitatively measure and track **hand and wrist edema (swelling)** over time, often used post-injury or post-surgery.