Is there a relationship between joint hypermobility and primary lymphedema? A cross-sectional study

Objective: This study aimed to evaluate the association between joint hypermobility (JH) and primary lymphedema.
Methods: This cross-sectional study included 36 patients (30 females and 6 males; age range, 18–65 years) diagnosed with primary lower extremity lymphedema and 32 age-matched healthy controls. Demographic characteristics were recorded for all participants. Generalized joint hypermobility (GJH) was assessed using the Beighton scoring system, and Benign joint hypermobility syndrome (BJHS) was evaluated according to the Brighton criteria.
Results: GJH was observed in 27.8% of patients with lymphedema and 25% of controls, with no statistically significant difference between groups (p>0.05). Similarly, the frequency of BJHS was comparable between the lymphedema group (13.9%) and the control group (15.6%; p>0.05). Mean Beighton scores did not differ significantly between the lymphedema and control groups (p>0.05). Furthermore, neither Beighton scores nor the prevalence of BJHS differed significantly across lymphedema stages (p>0.05).
Conclusion: JH was not significantly associated with primary lymphedema. Our study may provide a foundation for future research aiming to clarify the relationship between JH and primary lymphedema through objective diagnostic criteria and quantitative connective tissue assessments.