Objective
To investigate the diagnostic value of ultrasonography for limited finger joint mobility in diabetes and association between limited finger joint mobility and the presence of diabetic chronic complications.

Methods
Ultrasonography were performed in 13 non insulin-dependent diabetes with limited finger joint mobility and 15 non insulin-dependent diabetes without limited finger joint mobility matched for similar ages, sexes and durations of diabetes. Controls consisted of 12 healthy volunteers with no evidence of diabetes mellitus.

Ultrasonography was used to measure flexor tendon and tendon sheath thickness of the third and fourth fingers in the volar aspect of both hands. We evaluated neuropathy, nephropathy and retinopathy in all diabetic patients and investigated association between limited finger joint mobility and the presence of diabetic chronic complications.

Results
Thickness of flexor tendon sheath of the third and fourth fingers were significantly increased in the diabetes with limited finger joint mobility compared to the diabetes without limited finger joint mobility (p＜0.01). Also, flexor tendon thickness of the third finger was significantly increased in the diabetes with limited finger joint mobility compared to the diabetes without limited finger joint mobility (p＜0.05). The diabetes with limited finger joint mobility had a significantly increased frequency of the diabetic chronic complications (p＜0.05).

Conclusion
In the diabetes with limited finger joint mobility, thickening of flexor tendon sheath and tendon were shown by ultrasonography. This finding suggests that ultrasonography can be used to diagnose limited finger joint mobility in the diabetes. Limited finger joint mobility is closely associated with diabetic chronic complications.