Screen for joint hypermobility with the Beighton score
Tick the nine Beighton items; see the 0–9 score and the age-based cut-off for generalized joint hypermobility (GJH).
Beighton items
Tick only the movements you observe; each box is 1 point.
Result
0/9
Beighton score
Select an age group for the interpretation.
Sources: Beighton P, Solomon L, Soskolne CL. Articular mobility in an African population. Ann Rheum Dis. 1973;32(5):413–418. doi:10.1136/ard.32.5.413 · Cut-offs: Malfait F, et al. The 2017 international classification of the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes. Am J Med Genet C Semin Med Genet. 2017;175(1):8–26. doi:10.1002/ajmg.c.31552
For screening only
The Beighton score measures joint mobility only; it does not diagnose hEDS or any other condition. A definitive assessment belongs to a clinician measuring with a goniometer.
Who are you?
Run this measurement automatically from a scan in your clinic
In a 30-minute demo we'll show the same calculation on a 3D scan, with your own case. Your result is added to the form automatically.
Result added to the form
No calculated result yet — you can still send the form.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Beighton score and what are its 9 points?
The Beighton score is a simple examination scale that rates joint mobility from 0 to 9 (Beighton et al., Ann Rheum Dis 1973). One point per side is given for passive dorsiflexion of the little finger beyond 90°, passive apposition of the thumb to the flexor aspect of the forearm, hyperextension of the elbow beyond 10° and hyperextension of the knee beyond 10° (4 × 2 = 8 points). Bending forward with the knees fully straight and placing the palms flat on the floor adds one more point.
What score counts as generalized joint hypermobility?
In the 2017 international classification of the Ehlers–Danlos syndromes (Malfait et al., Am J Med Genet C 2017) the cut-off depends on age: ≥6 for prepubertal children and adolescents, ≥5 for pubertal men and women up to age 50, and ≥4 above age 50. If the score is one point below the cut-off, a positive result on the 5-point questionnaire defined in the same criteria can support the assessment; a clinician interprets this.
Does a high Beighton score mean hEDS or Ehlers–Danlos syndrome?
No. Generalized joint hypermobility is common, especially in children and women, and in most people it is not a sign of disease. A diagnosis of hypermobile Ehlers–Danlos syndrome (hEDS) requires additional criteria besides hypermobility (systemic features, family history or musculoskeletal complications) and the exclusion of other causes. Only a physician makes the diagnosis.
Why does hypermobility matter for orthotics and insoles?
Flexible joints can affect foot posture under load (for example a flexible flatfoot) and the stability of the hand and wrist. A clinician may take this into account, together with other findings, when planning insoles or a hand/wrist support. The Beighton score alone does not decide whether an orthosis is needed.