Musculoskeletal involvement in scleroderma

Musculoskeletal features in scleroderma can include inflammatory arthritis that is erosive or nonerosive; muscle involvement, including myopathy and myositis; involvement of tendons and bursa; and overlap syndromes with rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, and Sjogren's syndrome. Arthralgias are common and often manifest early in the disease. Antibodies within scleroderma can overlap with other conditions, such as the anticentromere antibody that has been described in Sjogren's syndrome. In addition, some antibodies that are not traditionally believed to occur in scleroderma do rarely (eg, anticardiolipin antibody). Scleroderma may or may not increase the risk of osteoporosis. Radiologic involvement includes resorption of the terminal phalanges, soft tissue calcification, subluxations, and rarely, erosive arthritis. Treatment of musculoskeletal manifestations is often for symptom control.