The effects of the diabetes related soft tissue hand lesions and the reduced hand strength on functional disability of hand in type 2 diabetic patients.

OBJECTIVES: The aim of the present study is to examine the effects of diabetes related soft tissue hand lesions such as Dupuytren's disease, trigger finger and limited joint mobility (LJM) and the reduced hand strength on the functional disability of the hand in type 2 diabetic patients.

METHODS: Forty-four type 2 diabetic patients and 60 age and sex matched controls were included in the study. Subjects were examined for the presence of Dupuytren's disease, trigger finger and LJM. Grip strength was tested first with Jamar dynamometer followed by pinch strength measurements using by a manual pinchmeter. Electrophysiological studies were performed in both groups. Duruöz Hand Index (DHI) was used to assess the functional hand disability.

RESULTS: The mean DHI score of the diabetics was significantly higher than controls (p<0.0001). Dupuytren's disease, trigger finger or LJM was not correlated with DHI in diabetic patients (p>0.05). The grip and pinch strengths were significantly lower in diabetic patients than the non-diabetic controls (p<0.05) and the grip and pinch strengths were negatively correlated with DHI in type 2 diabetic patients (p<0.001).

CONCLUSION: Dupuytren's disease, trigger finger and LJM did not cause to functional disability of hand but low hand strength was found to cause functional disability of hand in our type 2 diabetic patients.