title: Transient sternoclavicular joint arthropathy, a self-limited disease.
abstract: BACKGROUND
  The sternoclavicular joint (SCJ) is a true diarthrodial synovial joint and therefore vulnerable to the same disease processes as in other synovial joints. We identified a group of patients with monarticular arthritis of the SCJ that had a benign process and a self-limited disease course.
  
  
  METHODS
  This retrospective study included 25 female patients who presented with pain or swelling of the SCJ between January 2000 and December 2010. Their mean age was 59 years, and the average follow-up was 44 months. All patients underwent baseline radiographic imaging, technetium bone scan, computed tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging. Blood profiles were negative for rheumatoid factor in all patients. Functional outcome was assessed with the Rockwood SCJ score.
  
  
  RESULTS
  The patients presented with complaints of pain (72%), local swelling (88%), and redness (8%) that progressed during 4 weeks. The physical examination revealed tenderness (84%), swelling (88%), and limited range of motion (16%). These findings persisted for a median of 5 months. Plain radiographs showed arthritic changes in 5 patients (20%). Increased uptake was observed in all 9 patients who underwent a bone scan. Soft tissue swelling was demonstrated on computed tomography in 5 patients (20%) and on magnetic resonance imaging in 5 patients (20%). One patient had osteoarthritic changes on magnetic resonance imaging. Pain resolved spontaneously in all patients, leaving only swelling in 9 patients and tenderness in 1 patient.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Our experience is that SCJ arthropathy may often be a self-limited disease. After being treated solely with nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medication, 24 of the 25 study patients showed complete regression of pain and return to full function without recurrence of symptoms. Basic blood tests and radiographs are sufficient to rule out a septic joint.
authors: Orthopedics Division, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors: Amir
authors: A
authors: Sternheim
authors: Orthopedics Division, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors: Ofir
authors: O
authors: Chechik
authors: Radiology Department, Assaf Harofe Medical Center, Sackler Faculty of Medicine, Tel Aviv University, Tel Aviv, Israel.
authors: Yehuda
authors: Y
authors: Freedman
authors: Orthopedics Division, Tel Aviv Sourasky Medical Center, Tel Aviv, Israel. Electronic address: steinberge@tlvmc.gov.il.
authors: Ely L
authors: EL
authors: Steinberg
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018771:Arthralgia / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology; D001168:Arthritis / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000188:drug therapy*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008875:Middle Aged; D012075:Remission, Spontaneous; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013247:Sternoclavicular Joint; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D000894:Anti-Inflammatory Agents, Non-Steroidal
keywords: Sternoclavicular joint; arthralgia; inflammation; magnetic resonance imaging; osteoarthritis