The Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Vol 69, Issue 4 550-557, Copyright © 1987 by Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery, Inc
Condensing osteitis of the clavicle. A review of the literature and report of three cases
GD Kruger, MG Rock and TG Munro
Condensing osteitis of the clavicle is a rare and benign idiopathic entity
that is probably degenerative or mechanical in etiology. It is usually seen
in women of late child-bearing age as a variably painful and tender
swelling over the medial end of the clavicle. Radiographs show sclerosis
and slight expansion of the medial one-third of the clavicle. Although
malignant tumor of bone must be considered in the differential diagnosis of
a disease that has such radiographic findings, numerous and expensive
screening tests for a presumed primary malignant lesion are not recommended
for most patients. It is recommended, however, that an excisional or
(preferably) incisional biopsy be performed in all patients unless pain is
insignificant and the clinical presentation strongly supports the diagnosis
of condensing osteitis. Many patients who have slight pain do not need
treatment. Anti-inflammatory medications are variably effective. Patients
in whom the lesion is refractory respond well to excision of the medial
one-third of the clavicle.
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