Diabetic hand syndrome clinico electrophysiological study

ABSTRACT

Diabetic hand syndrome is a condition characterized by association of distinct entities; limited joint mobility, Dupuytren's contracture, flexor tenosynovitis and carpal tunnel syndrome. Evaluate the prevalence of these changes and association to diabetes duration and its complication. We studied 142 non-insulin-dependent and 33 insulin-dependent diabetics and investigated the presence of these hand changes and peripheral neuropathy. The prevalence of limited joint mobility was 28.6%, Dupuytren's contracture 17.7%, flexor tenosynovitis 10.3% and carpal tunnel syndrome 42.9% in all diabetics. Age and duration of diabetes were clearly related to these changes. A clear association between them and peripheral neuropathy was observed. The prevalence of carpal tunnel syndrome and hand changes was higher in non-insulin-dependent diabetics. The association of Dupuytren's contracture and peripheral neuropathy suggests that common factors could contribute to their pathogenesis