Bone and Soft Tissue Abnormalities of the Upper Extremity in Diabetes Mellitus

Roentgenographic evidence of bone and soft tissue abnormalities may be noted in the upper extremities of diabetics. Major shoulder changes, typically associated with peripheral neuropathy, include humeral head deformity due to bone resorption, joint space narrowing, subchondral cysts and sclerosis, subluxation, and juxtra-articular soft tissue bone fragments. Charcot-type joints, characterized by severe joint destruction, sclerosis, multiple bone fragments, and soft tissue swelling may occur. Diabetic neuropathy can produce flexion contractures of the hand. Abnormalities not necessarily associated with clinical neuropathy include cystic bone changes, cortical bone erosions, soft tissue calcification (calcific tendinitis), and vascular calcification.