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Distal Clavicular Osteolysis, Sports Medicine

Ryan C. Fowler, MD, CAQSM and Keith A. Stuessi, MD, CAQSM Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • A loss of subchondral bone detail with osteoporosis, cystic changes, osteolysis, and osteophyte formation of the distal clavicle while sparing the acromion

  • Most commonly associated wi...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Insidious onset of aching in the AC joint

  • Athletes may have a history of remote trauma.

  • Activities placing repetitive stress to the joint may increase the risk.

  • In weight lifters, bench ...

TREATMENT

  • Acute treatment:

    • Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) or other pain medications can be used as needed.

    • Cessation of offending activity is often very effective in reducing pain 4,5[C].

    • ...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Referral to an orthopedic surgeon for failure of nonoperative treatment

  • Postoperative physical therapy:

    • Active ROM as tolerated

    • Shoulder strengthening

    • Return to sport...

REFERENCES

1
Roedl JB, Nevalainen M, Gonzalez FM, et al. Frequency, imaging findings, risk factors, and long-term sequelae of distal clavicular osteolysis in young patients. Skeletal Radiol.  2015...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Can resolve without surgery, but only a minority of cases produce satisfactory results, particularly when the athlete does not stop training long enough for the AC joint to heal

  • Athlete...

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