Overall, this system compares better than the hyperextensometer when matched against the global index. This is hardly surprising, since assessment of a single joint cannot provide as much information as appraisal of a larger number of joints. The hyperextensometer gives information about anatomical structure. It may be that, although sophisticated in design, the hyperextensometer will prove unnecessarily accurate for routine use, and the Beighton modification of the Carter and Wilkinson system will be preferred for rapid assessments of the type required in population studies.