The Relationship between Benign Joint Hypermobility Syndrome and Pediatric Inguinal Hernia

Abstract

Background: There are many controversies about relationship between hernias and connective tissue disorders in children. The aim of this study was to determine the relationship of benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BHJS) with inguinal hernias in children. Methods: This descriptive analytical study involved children of 2-12 years old who were diagnosed with inguinal hernia during 2009-11. Subjects were admitted to pediatric or pediatric surgery wards of hospital affiliated with Isfahan University of Medical Sciences (Iran). Overall, 200 children in two groups of patients with inguinal hernias and controls were included. Beighton score was used for diagnosis of BHJS in the admitted children and the control group. For evaluation of collected data and the relationship of diseases, we used SPSS18 and chi-square test. Findings: The mean Beighton score was 6.2 ± 2.0 in the case and 2.7 ± 2.2 in the control group, i.e. children with inguinal hernias had significantly higher Beighton scores (P < 0.001). Conclusion: Based on this study, BHJS is prevalent in children with inguinal hernias. Therefore, in every patient with inguinal hernias, the presence of concomitant BHJS should also be considered. Keywords: Pediatric inguinal hernia, Childhood hernia, Joint hypermobility syndrome