Diabetic stiff joint syndrome as a cause of difficult endotracheal intubation

Abstract

'Stiff joint syndrome' consists of juvenile onset diabetes mellitus, (JODM), nonfamilial short stature, and joint contractures. The fourth and fifth proximal phalangeal joints, the most frequently involved small joints, exhibit contractures and tight waxy skin. Large joints, notably those of the cervical spine, are less frequently involved. In the following case, limited motion of the atlantooccipital joint made endotracheal intubation of a patient with this syndrome impossible.