hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb

**zaobhand** on Sun Mar 11, 2012 7:19 pm

My thumb is more on the stiff side but it is double jointed. Normally its opening angle would be say around 45-55 degrees. When applied through the double jointed mechanism it can open to about 90 degrees but not more. Would you consider this hyperflexible? Thanks

**Kiran.Katawa** on Mon Mar 12, 2012 6:26 am

zaobhand wrote:My thumb is more on the stiff side but it is double jointed. Normally its opening angle would be say around 45-55 degrees. When applied through the double jointed mechanism it can open to about 90 degrees but not more. Would you consider this hyperflexible? Thanks

Boaz, can you please post the pic?

**zaobhand** on Mon Mar 12, 2012 12:06 pm

Kiran, Will do. Probably end of March will get access to camera. I'm waiting, in general, for a specific model to get new camera.. Thanks

**Martijn (admin)** on Mon Mar 12, 2012 4:00 pm

zaobhand wrote:My thumb is more on the stiff side but it is double jointed. Normally its opening angle would be say around 45-55 degrees. When applied through the double jointed mechanism it can open to about 90 degrees but not more. Would you consider this hyperflexible? Thanks

Hello Boaz,

Yes, if you can do the 'double jointed thumb' trick... that is actually a clear indication for hypermobility (hyperflexibility).

Also, I think the opening angle and stiffness are arbitrary measures, which should better not be associated with hypermobility / hyperflexibility.

wave

**zaobhand** on Mon Mar 12, 2012 9:40 pm

Thanks Martijn, I was pondering bit over Fincham's chapter on the thumb. I don't think he mentiones double-jointed thumbs. He defines hyperflexive thumbs as a very flexible thumb at the base joint. But there is no mention of whether the upper joint is concomitantly flexible or not. I don't think I fit the description, though I do enjoy freedom and don't appreciate work for the sake of work, and do like to have fun, but at the same time I probably fit more the disciplined end of the spectrum.

**Sari** on Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:04 am

When talking about the angle of the thumb, it's common to also check whether the thumb is set high or set low. Often low set thumb has natural ability to have larger angle and the opposite for high set thumb.

**zaobhand** on Tue Mar 13, 2012 4:13 am

Interesting. Thanks.

**zaobhand** on Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:05 pm

Posting images of my thumb. Natural (widest opening) versus double jointed (hyperflexive). Top and bottom views.
hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb Boazhy13

hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb Boazhy13

hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb Boazhy11

hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb Boazhy14

hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb Boazhy15

**Martijn (admin)** on Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:27 pm

zaobhand wrote:Posting images of my thumb. Natural (widest opening) versus double jointed (hyperflexive). Top and bottom views.

Sorry Boaz, I see no evidence of a hyperflexible- nor a 'double jointed humb'...?

If you really have a 'double jointed thumb' you should be able to make a strange thumb-posture - like is for example seen in the picture below.

Are you sure that you have a 'double jointed thumb'? (So far your pictures indicate that you might only have a flexible thumb... but not a hyperflexible thumb???)

scratch

hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb Tumblr_lh3rshfwzH1qzukedo1_500

**zaobhand** on Mon Mar 26, 2012 1:29 pm

Here it is cheers

but probably with smaller bending angles.
hyperflexible versus double jointed thumb Boazhy16

**Martijn (admin)** on Mon Mar 26, 2012 2:43 pm

zaobhand wrote:Here it is but probably with smaller bending angles.

... Yes, that looks so much more like a true 'double jointed thumb'!

Patti on Mon Mar 26, 2012 3:04 pm

zaobhand wrote:Here it is but probably with smaller bending angles.

My first response was 'ouch' lol!

but I know it doesn't hurt! Just looks broken.

**zaobhand** on Mon Mar 26, 2012 3:07 pm

Patti wrote: My first response was 'ouch' but I know it doesn't hurt! Just looks broken.

Doesn't hurt at all! Razz

**zaobhand** on Mon Mar 26, 2012 3:34 pm

So, does double jointed have the same indications as hyperflexive thumb? Fincham's interpretation doesn't fit me. I can be adaptable when things make sense, but not over-adaptable and definitely not appeasing..

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