title: Distal clavicle osteolysis unrelated to trauma, overuse, or metabolic disease.
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.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Naval Hospital, Bremerton, WA 98312-1898, USA.
authors.forename: B J
authors.initials: BJ
authors.lastname: Hawkins
authors.forename: D C
authors.initials: DC
authors.lastname: Covey
authors.forename: B G
authors.initials: BG
authors.lastname: Thiel
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D002908:Chronic Disease; D002968:Clavicle / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D003131:Combined Modality Therapy; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D010014:Osteolysis / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000209:etiology* / Q000601:surgery; D011859:Radiography