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Distal clavicle osteolysis unrelated to trauma, overuse, or metabolic disease
B J Hawkins1, D C Covey, B G Thiel
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA 98312-1898, USA.
Abstract:
Osteolysis of the distal clavicle has been reported to occur from traumatic, atraumatic (overuse), or systemic causes. Three patients with bilateral osteolysis of the distal clavicles whose osteolysis did not fit these etiologic categories were evaluated. Clinical, imaging, and laboratory evaluations were nonspecific, and histologic sections of the distal clavicle showed evidence of chronic inflammation with reactive change of the articular surface. Patients either had complete resolution or marked improvement of their symptoms after bilateral distal clavicle resection at mean followup of 5 years 3 months. These cases of osteolysis of the distal clavicle represent a category of this disorder not previously described.