Title:History, Prevalence and Assessment of Limited Joint Mobility, from Stiff Hand Syndrome to Diabetic Foot Ulcer Prevention: A Narrative Review of the Literature
Volume: 14
Issue: 5
Author(s): Piergiorgio Francia*, Roberto Anichini, Giuseppe Seghieri, Alessandra De Bellis and Massimo Gulisano
Affiliation:
- Department of Experimental and Clinical Medicine, University of Florence, Florence,Italy
Keywords:
Limited joint mobility, history, prevalence, assessment, prevention, diabetic foot ulcers.
Abstract: Background: Limited Joint Mobility (LJM) is a dreaded complication of Diabetes Mellitus
(DM). During the last half century, LJM has been studied in patients of different age because it has been
considered useful for the monitoring of a patient’s condition and for the prevention of vascular disease
and diabetic foot.
Objectives: The main aims of this review are to describe the relationship between DM and joint mobility
as well as its prevalence and assessment. We have also investigated the role of LJM in the development
of diabetic foot ulcers.
Methodology: An in-depth literature search was conducted to identify studies that examined the prevalence
and characteristics of LJM in patients with DM of different types, age, durations and chronic
complications.
Results: Many factors (therapy improvements, population characteristics and different evaluation methods)
concur to hinder an exact assessment of the prevalence of LJM. However, it has been confirmed
that LJM is widespread among patients with DM and may affect more than two-thirds of them in addition
to being a major risk factor for foot ulcer. Its role in the monitoring of a patient’s condition is also
important for the definition of risk thresholds such as in patients with diabetic foot. The efficacy of exercise
therapy for the treatment of LJM, also in patients at risk of foot ulcer, has not been discussed.
Conclusion: Difficulties encountered in the definition of the prevalence of LJM may hinder its study
and the establishment of preventive interventions. However, LJM plays a key role in the monitoring of
patients, especially those at risk for ulcer.