cheiroarthropathy

Etiology

• diabetes mellitus, long-standing & poorly controlled

Pathology

• decreased blood flow to the microvasculature of the hands
• non-enzymatic glycosylation
• non-inflammatory fibrosis of the soft tissue, tendons, & joints of the hands resulting in contractures

Clinical manifestations

• may present like scleroderma
• thickened skin
• limited mobility of hand & finger joints

Complications

• related conditions considered part of the cheiroarthropathy spectrum in
  • adhesive capsulitis (31%)
  • carpal tunnel syndrome (30%)
  • flexor tenosynovitis (28%)
  • positive prayer sign (22%)
  • Dupuytren contracture (9%)

More general terms

• joint disease; articular disease; arthropathy
• rheumatologic complication of diabetes mellitus