Diabetic Cervical Radiculopathy with Adhesive Capsulitis of the Shoulder

ABSTRACT

The common form of diabetic neuropathy is symmetrical peripheral polyneuropathy, which involves the distal part of the lower extremities whereas diabetic amyotrophy is seen in the proximal part of the lower extremities. Although other regions may also be affected, the presence of upper extremity involvement has rarely been emphasized. Diabetic radiculopathy may involve the cervical region before, after, or concurrently with lumbosacral radiculopathy. We report 2 rare cases of diabetic radiculopathy which involves the cervical region without involving the lumbosacral region. To our knowledge, these are the first reported cases of diabetic radiculopathy involving the cervical region only. In our cases, severe adhesive capsulitis in a shoulder was noticed together with cervical radiculopathy. Both diabetic radiculopathy and adhesive capsulitis have a poorly understood pathogenesis and their combined presence is presumed to be rare. Clinical features and management of cervical radiculopathy with adhesive shoulder capsulitis in 2 diabetic patients is described.