[Hyperostosis of the sterno-clavicular joint - an enthesopathy?]

Erosion of the insertions of tendons and ligaments in bone (i.e. of the enthesis) due to chronic aseptic inflammation causes reparative ossification. With regard to our clinical and radiological findings in ten patients hyperostosis of the sterno-clavicular joint seems to be the late stage of such an enthesopathy. Pain and swelling of the soft tissues and an elevated erythrocyte sedimentation rate are characteristics of this seronegative rheumatic disease. For visualizing the extraarticular changes in the sterno-costo-clavicular region tomography is necessary. Early diagnosis and consequent antiphlogistic therapy should remit pain and help avoid hyperostosis.