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What is your differential for a patient presenting with multiple digits affected by flexor tenosynovitis, dupuytren's, and no evidence of peripheral inflammatory arthritis?

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Mednet MemberInvited Expert
Rheumatology · UTMB Health
Answered on

Other than idiopathic Dupuytren's and recreational or occupational flexor tenosynovitis, I would look for underlying thyroid disorders that can induce trigger finger with some palmar fascia and tendon thickening, and also diabetic cheiroarthropathy. There are several musculoskeletal complications seen in patients with diabetes, including chronic finger tendinitis, trigger finger, palmar fascia nodularity and thickening, Dupuytren's contractures, etc. Hand involvement in diabetics can be looked for by asking the patient to closely juxtapose all fingers of both hands with performing the so-called Prayer sign. If there is an opening in the middle between the fingers, and the patient is unable to closely touch all fingers, the sign is positive. It is not specific for diabetes, however.