Material and Methods
In this prospective, cross-sectional study, 702 patients with diabetes
who applied to our endocrinology clinic and outpatient clinic between
March 2017 and February 2018 were consecutively included in the study,
and the musculoskeletal disorders were assessed by the same physician.
The patients with chronic arthritis due to rheumatological diseases such
as osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, and those with collagen
tissue disease, patients under 18 years of age, and those diagnosed with
gestational diabetes were not included in the study.
Informed consent was obtained from each of the participants. The study
was approved by the Ethics Committee of Celal Bayar University, Faculty
of Medicine (#20.478.486-54). A detailed history of the patients was
taken, and a physical examination was performed. Subsequently, the
measurements of height, weight, waist circumference, and blood pressure
were made. Afterward, ophthalmic examination findings, electromyography
(EMG) results, and laboratory data were recorded from the outpatient
files.
The symptoms related to the musculoskeletal system were investigated in
these patients. The presence of LJMS was checked by the prayer sign and
tabletop sign. For the diagnosis of Dupuytren’s contracture, palmar or
digital nodules were examined for findings such as pretendinous cord and
flexion contracture. In order to determine flexor tenosynovitis, the
patients were asked whether their fingers lock in flexion or extension.
Passive and active shoulder movements were evaluated. A foot examination
was performed for the presence of Hallux valgus, claw toes, pes cavus,
Charcot joint, and diabetic foot. The relationship of musculoskeletal
disorders with metabolic parameters and complications of diabetes was
also evaluated in the present study.