A CROSS SECTIONAL RADIOGRAPHIC ASSESSMENT OF DEGENERATIVE CHANGES IN SHOULDER JOINT AMONG OLDER ADULTS WITH DIABETES MELLITUS AND HYPERTENSION

Abstract

Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are two of the most common chronic conditions around the world. They are often associated with patients in their elder years. Diabetes mellitus and hypertension are known to damage the vascular and renal systems of the body, but what isn't commonly known is the damage they can inflict on the musculoskeletal system. Diabetic patients and hypertensive patients are known to suffer from joint deterioration, especially in the shoulder. Due to their intricate anatomy and extreme mobility the shoulder joint is prone to developing degenerative pathologies.Diabetes mellitus and hypertension can cause extra stress on the body's joints. Metabolic irregularities and lack of blood flow can cause early onset of degeneration of joint causing pain and stiffness.

The aim of this study is to evaluate radiographic degenerative early changes in the shoulder joint among older adults diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, and hypertension. The study also sought to assess the severity and pattern of these changes, and to determine their association with factors such as age and duration of disease.

A cross-sectional study design was employed, involving a sample of 80 patients recruited through non-probability convenience sampling from Mubarak Medical Complex and Accurate Diagnostic Centre. Participants included both males and females aged between 40 years and above age with confirmed diagnoses of diabetes mellitus and hypertension. Patients with a history of trauma, previous joint surgery, malignancy, or congenital abnormalities were excluded. Radiographic assessment of shoulder joint was done by routine X-ray imagining with Anteroposterior, lateral and oblique projections. Examination of collected data was done by using preformed proforma and analysis was done by using descriptive statistics.

The results showed that there was a significant number of cases with osteoarthritic changes in shoulder joint among diabetics and hypertensive patients. There was evidence of joint space narrowing, osteophyte formation, subchondral sclerosis and deformity which was graded as mild, moderate or severe. The changes were reported to be progressive with advancing age and duration of disease. These changes represent a strong correlation between metabolic vascular diseases and osteoarthritis.Patients with diabetes mellitus and hypertension are significantly involved in shoulder joint pathology. A plain radiograph gives an excellent and inexpensive opportunity for identifying shoulder osteoarthritis. An early diagnosis and management of shoulder joint arthritis can prevent disabilities.