Conservative Management of Condensing Osteitis of the Medial End of the Clavicle / 대한정형외과학회잡지

ABSTRACT

PURPOSE: To assess the clinical features and the outcomes of conservative treatment of condensing osteitis of the medial end of the clavicle. MATERIALS AND METHODS: We reviewed 24 patients among 44 patients with pain and protrusion on the medial clavicle, who were diagnosed as condensing osteitis and followed over one year between April 2003 and August 2008. Plain radiograph and laboratory examination (24 cases), bone scan (12 cases), computed tomography (3 cases), MRI (1 case) and biopsy (1 case) were performed. Patients were followed with UCLA score, VAS (Visual Analogue Scale) and change of protrusion. RESULTS: In all cases, mild sclerosis and expansion were seen at the medial clavicle and sternoclavicular joint was preserved. Laboratory examination showed nonspecific results but various abnormal findings. Protrusion was not changed in 20 cases (83%) and decreased in 4 cases (17%). VAS for pain was improved from 3.4 to 1.2 and VAS for function was improved from 25.5 to 29.1. UCLA score was improved from 28.8 points to 33.7 points. CONCLUSION: Physical and radiologic examination was important for diagnosis of condensing osteitis and laboratory exmination was useful to differentiate it from other diseases. Conservative treatment with rest and nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs showed satisfactory result.