Infections, Cellulitis, and Osteomyelitis

Abstract

Patients with systemic sclerosis (SSc) may present digital ulcers (DUs) that can lead to several complications as infection, cellulitis, and osteomyelitis affecting the quality of life. Infection is a very common complication due to several factors as microangiopathy, defective activity of the immune system, the concomitant immunosuppressive treatments, and the use of contaminated medical equipments. Infection of DU represents the main predisposing condition to bone infection and inflammation (osteomyelitis) frequently accompanied by cellulitis. Laboratory findings and clinical features are important to suspect osteomyelitis, which has then to be confirmed by instrumental investigations. A multidisciplinary team is required (infectivologist, orthopedic surgeon, radiologist, and nuclear medicine physician) for the management of osteomyelitis to avoid further complications.