Joints in Scleroderma: Hydroxyapatite Disease

Abstract

We report an inflammatory mechanism of joint damage in systemic sclerosis (SS) associated with hydroxyapatite (HA) deposits. This is an unusual asymptomatic case with an unusual localization of severe metatarsal–phalangeal joint disease. The patient had no hyperuricemia. We review the literature about HA deposit disease and discuss variable joint involvement in SS.