Osteolysis of the distal clavicle: readily detected and treated shoulder pain.

Abstract

Osteolysis of the distal clavicle is a pathologic process involving resorption of the distal clavicle and is usually posttraumatic or caused by the repetitive microtrauma of weight lifting. Pain localized to the acromioclavicular joint and radiographs or bone scans showing pathology in the distal clavicle are diagnostic. Modification of activities, such as curtailment of weight lifting, often alleviates symptoms, but surgery is an option when conservative measures fail or for patients who cannot limit their activities.