Percutaneous cementoplasty of periprosthetic aseptic hip loosening.

Progressive population aging and improved healthcare have led to a significant increase in patients with hip arthroplasty (HA). In this patient group, the proportion of those who require a new arthroplasty (prosthetic replacement or secondary revision of the hip), has also increased. For this subgroup of patients in whom surgical prosthetic replacement should be considered but is contraindicated, a new technique has been developed since 2010: percutaneous injection of periprosthetic cement under fluoroscopic or CT control ("femoroplasty; FMP") as an alternative and less invasive treatment compared to surgery to stabilize the HA without replacing it, with excellent results on patients' quality of life. In this brief communication, we describe our positive experience regarding FMP, which we have performed for the first time in Spain on four patients (age range between 74-83 years, 2 female and 2 male patients, 3 right HA and 1 left HA), without post-complications. We highlight both the relative simplicity of this technique, which can be incorporated into radiological intervention even in regional hospitals, and the significant clinical improvement observed in all patients. In conclusion, we hope that our experience can contribute to the increased adoption of this innovative technique within the scientific community.

Usefulness of histology for predicting infection at the time of hip and knee revision in patients with rheumatoid arthritis.

INTRODUCTION: It remains unclear whether rheumatoid arthritis might be a cause of false positive of the histology for the diagnosis of prosthetic joint infection. Our aim was to evaluate the usefulness of the histology for the diagnosis of infection during hip and knee prosthesis revision in patients with rheumatoid arthritis. MATERIALS AND METHODS: All patients with the diagnosis of rheumatoid arthritis (RA) undergoing hip or knee revision surgery (total or partial) were retrospectively reviewed. Positive histology was considered when ≥ 5 neutrophils per high-power field (400×) were found in at least five separate microscopic fields. Patients who presented ≥ 2 positive cultures for the same microorganism or the presence of fistula were considered as "true positives". RESULTS: Thirty-two hip (n = 12) and knee (n = 20) revision procedures were performed. Sensitivity, specificity, positive and negative predictive value of the histology were 50%, 78.6%, 25% and 91.7%, respectively. Six out of the eight patients presenting with positive histology had negative cultures (75.0% of false positives). CONCLUSIONS: Our results suggest that, in the context of RA, negative histological results have a very high negative predictive value. RA poses false positive histology results for the diagnosis of infection during hip and knee revision when conventional cultures are used for diagnosis of infection.

Visual impairment induced by prosthetic cobaltism.

The case of a 68-year-old patient with visual loss secondary to prosthetic cobaltism is reported. The degeneration of the metallic hip prosthesis can produce a systemic absorption of cobalt with cardiac, neurological, endocrine, auditory, and visual manifestations. The diagnostic suspicion is confirmed by serum cobalt measurements. Treatment with early surgery and chelating agents can lead to improvement of the visual, and the other disorders.

Afectación visual por cobaltismo protésico / Visual impairment induced by prosthetic cobaltism

Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 68 años con pérdida visual secundaria a cobaltismo protésico. La degeneración de la prótesis metálica de cadera produce una absorción sistémica de cobalto con manifestaciones cardíacas, neurológicas, endocrinas, auditivas y visuales. La sospecha diagnóstica es confirmada mediante determinaciones séricas de cobalto, y un tratamiento con cirugía precoz y agentes quelantes puede generar una mejoría visual y del resto de síntomas (AU)

The case of a 68-year-old patient with visual loss secondary to prosthetic cobaltism is reported. The degeneration of the metallic hip prosthesis can produce a systemic absorption of cobalt with cardiac, neurological, endocrine, auditory, and visual manifestations. The diagnostic suspicion is confirmed by serum cobalt measurements. Treatment with early surgery and chelating agents can lead to improvement of the visual, and the other disorders (AU)

The anterior limited approach of the elbow for the treatment of capitellum and trochlea fractures: Surgical technique and clinical experience in eight cases.

When a coronal fracture affects the capitellum and the trochlea, the Kocher lateral approach may be inadequate for the correct visualisation, reduction and fixation of the fracture. In such cases an associated medial elbow approach may be required, or a posterior transolecranon approach may be preferred. The anterior limited approach to the elbow (ALAE) could be a valid option when treating these types of fracture, as it does not involve the detachment of any muscle group or ligament, thereby facilitating the recovery process. We can also treat associated injuries such as fractures of the radial head or coronoid process with this approach. We describe the surgical technique and the functional outcome of eight patients with a mean of 66 years of age (range, 53-76) who where treated with open reduction and internal fixation for capitellar and trochlear fractures through the ALAE. Patient outcomes were assessed with physical and radiological evaluation, range-of-motion measurements with a follow-up from 24 to 60 months. Two different quality of life questionnaires were carried out: the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D) and the patient-answered questionnnaire of the Liverpool Elbow Score patient (PAQ-LES). Four fractures involved the capitellum, one involved the capitellum with the lateral ridge of the trochlea, and three involved the capitellum and trochlea as separate fragments. The patients presented a favorable clinical evolution at a median of 33 months (range, 24-60), with an average of motion of 10-138°. Four patients presented a fracture of the head of the radius (Mason type 2) and 3 fractures of the coronoid (Bryan-Morrey Type 1) associated. All the patients presented radiological consolidation without signs of osteonecrosis, being the average EQ-5D 0.857 (range, 0.36-1.0) and the PAQ-LES of 35 (range 17 to 36). Patients with isolated capitellar fractures had better results than those with trochlear involvement. The presence of associated fractures does not seem to worsen the results. We believe that the ALAE is a technical option to consider for the open surgical treatment of a capitellar fracture with or without involvement of the trochlea. LEVEL OF EVIDENCEIS: Therapeutic Level III.

Hip prostheses in young adults. Surface prostheses and short-stem prostheses. / Las prótesis de cadera en el adulto joven. Prótesis de superficie y prótesis de vástago corto.

The poor results obtained in young patients when using a conventional prosthesis led to the resurgence of hip resurfacing to find less invasive implants for the bone. Young patients present a demand for additional activity, which makes them a serious challenge for the survival of implants. In addition, new information technologies contribute decisively to the preference for non-cemented prostheses. Maintaining quality of life, preserving the bone and soft tissues, as well as achieving a very stable implant, are the goals of every hip orthopaedic surgeon for these patients. The results in research point to the use of smaller prostheses, which use the metaphyseal zone more and less the diaphyseal zone, and hence the large number of the abovementioned short stem prostheses. Both models are principally indicated in the young adult. Their revision should be a more simple operation, but this is only true for hip resurfacing, not for short stems.

The limited anterior approach of the elbow for open reduction and internal fixation of capitellum fractures. Surgical technique and clinical experience in 2 cases with more than 2 years follow-up. / Abordaje anterior limitado del codo para la reducción abierta y fijación interna de las fracturas del capitellum. Técnica quirúrgica y experiencia clínica en 2casos con más de 2 años de seguimiento.

OBJECTIVE: Fractures involving the capitellum can be treated surgically by excision of the fragment, or by reduction and internal fixation with screws, with or without heads. The lateral Kocher approach is the most common approach for open reduction. We believe that the limited anterior approach of the elbow, could be a valid technique for treating these fractures, as it does not involve the detachment of any muscle group or ligament, facilitating the recovery process. MATERIAL AND METHOD: A description is presented of the surgical technique, as well as of 2cases with a Bryan-Morrey type 1 fracture (Dubberley type 1A). Two different final quality of life evaluation questionnaires were completed by telephone: the EuroQol Five Dimensions Questionnaire (EQ-5D), and the patient part of the Liverpool Elbow Score (PAQ-LES) questionnaire. RESULTS: The 2patients showed favourable clinical progress at 36 and 24 months, respectively, with an extension/flexion movement arc of -5°/145° and -10°/145°, as well as a pronosupination of 85°/80° and 90°/90°. The 2patients showed radiological consolidation with no signs of osteonecrosis. The EQ-5D score was 0.857 and 0.910 (range: 0.36-1), and a PAQ-SLE of 35 and 35 (range: 17-36), respectively. CONCLUSIONS: We believe that the limited anterior approach of the elbow is a technical option to consider for the open surgical treatment of a capitellum fracture, although further studies are needed to demonstrate its superiority and clinical safety compared to the classical lateral Kocher approach.

Análisis de los fracasos de un modelo de cotilo constreñido cementado en pacientes de alto riesgo de luxación / Analysis of the failures of a cemented constrained liner model in patients with a high dislocation risk

Objetivo. Evaluar los resultados a corto plazo de un cotilo retentivo de polietileno, en pacientes con alto riesgo de luxación, ya sea en cirugía primaria o de revisión. Material y método. Revisión retrospectiva de 38 casos, con el objetivo de determinar la tasa de supervivencia y el análisis de los fallos de un cotilo constreñido cementado, con un seguimiento promedio de 27 meses. Se estudiaron los datos demográficos, las complicaciones, en especial las reluxaciones de las prótesis y así mismo se analizan las probables causas de fracaso. Resultados. En un 21,05% se implantó en cirugía primaria (8 casos) y en un 78,95% en cirugía de revisión (30 casos). El estudio de supervivencia global del implante mediante el método de Kaplan-Meier ha sido del 70,7 meses. Durante el seguimiento, ocurrieron 3 casos de defunción no relacionado con la cirugía y 2 casos de infección. En 12 de las caderas se habían realizado previamente, como mínimo, 2 cirugías. No hubo ningún caso de aflojamiento del implante al hueso. Cuatro pacientes presentaron luxación, todos con cabeza de 22 mm (p = 0,008). Nuestro análisis estadístico no encontró relación entre el ángulo de inclinación acetabular y el fracaso del implante (p = 0,22). Conclusiones. El cotilo retentivo de polietileno de ultra alto peso molecular cementado evaluado en la presente serie ha proporcionado resultados satisfactorios a corto plazo, en pacientes con artroplastia de cadera con alto riesgo de luxación (AU)

Objective. To evaluate the short-term results of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene retentive cup in patients at high risk of dislocation, either primary or revision surgery. Material and method. Retrospective review of 38 cases in order to determine the rate of survival and failure analysis of a constrained cemented cup, with a mean follow-up of 27 months. We studied demographic data, complications, especially re-dislocations of the prosthesis and, also the likely causes of system failure analyzed. Results. In 21.05% (8 cases) were primary surgery and 78.95% were revision surgery (30 cases). The overall survival rate by Kaplan-Meier method was 70.7 months. During follow-up 3 patients died due to causes unrelated to surgery and 2 infections occurred. 12 hips had at least two previous surgeries done. It wasn’t any case of aseptic loosening. Four patients presented dislocation, all with a 22 mm head (P=.008). Our statistical analysis didn’t found relationship between the abduction cup angle and implant failure (P=.22). Conclusions. The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene retentive cup evaluated in this series has provided satisfactory short-term results in hip arthroplasty patients at high risk of dislocation (AU)

[Analysis of the failures of a cemented constrained liner model in patients with a high dislocation risk]. / Análisis de los fracasos de un modelo de cotilo constreñido cementado en pacientes de alto riesgo de luxación.

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the short-term results of an ultra high molecular weight polyethylene retentive cup in patients at high risk of dislocation, either primary or revision surgery. MATERIAL AND METHOD: Retrospective review of 38 cases in order to determine the rate of survival and failure analysis of a constrained cemented cup, with a mean follow-up of 27 months. We studied demographic data, complications, especially re-dislocations of the prosthesis and, also the likely causes of system failure analyzed. RESULTS: In 21.05% (8 cases) were primary surgery and 78.95% were revision surgery (30 cases). The overall survival rate by Kaplan-Meier method was 70.7 months. During follow-up 3 patients died due to causes unrelated to surgery and 2 infections occurred. 12 hips had at least two previous surgeries done. It wasn't any case of aseptic loosening. Four patients presented dislocation, all with a 22 mm head (P=.008). Our statistical analysis didn't found relationship between the abduction cup angle and implant failure (P=.22). CONCLUSIONS: The ultra high molecular weight polyethylene retentive cup evaluated in this series has provided satisfactory short-term results in hip arthroplasty patients at high risk of dislocation.

Rupture of Extensively Porous Coated Stems. - A Case Series of 2 Patients.

INTRODUCTION: Mechanical failure of femoral stems of revision hip arthroplasty has been rarely reported. In the current study, the cause of two stem fractures, which occurred in vivo, was analysed with use of clinical and radiological data, and the functional result after revision is presented. CASE REPORT: Two patients, A 70-year-old male and a 73-year-old female, both of Mediterranean ethnic, and both patients underwent a revision total hip replacement to an uncemmented extensively porous coated stem. Both stems suffered an implant fatigue in vivo at three years and at two years follow-up respectively. CONCLUSION: Revision total hip arthroplasty is a procedure that will be performed more often the following years due to aging of population. Any orthopaedic surgeon performing hip surgery should be aware of the risk factors that can lead to total hip arthroplasty failure. In the analysed cases we can learn that the main factors related to this failure included the use of a small size stem (inferior to 14mm), an inadequate proximal osseous support because of trochanteric osteotomy, and a reduced preoperative bone stock. Although the use of cables has not been stated as a predisposing factor, we consider that they could also play a role in the development of this rare complication.

Nonoperative treatment of distal biceps brachii musculotendinous partial rupture: a report of two cases.

Musculotendinous ruptures of the distal biceps brachii are extremely rare injuries whose clinical presentation is similar to distal biceps avulsion. We describe two cases of patients who suffered a distal biceps brachii musculotendinous partial rupture. The first patient was playing soccer as goalkeeper and experienced sudden pain while throwing the ball overhead with his left arm. The second patient experienced sudden pain while weightlifting with his right arm. The mechanism of injury was the same in the two cases, as both involved glenohumeral elevation with elbow extension and forearm supination. Neither of these two patients underwent surgical repair or rehabilitation, and both had perfect scores of 100 on the Mayo Clinic Performance Index for the Elbow at one-year followup.

Treatment of AO Type C Fractures of the Distal Part of the Humerus through the Bryan-Morrey Triceps-Sparing Approach.

Several alternative approaches have been described to avoid the complications related to the olecranon osteotomy used to treat distal articular humerus fractures. The published experience with the triceps-sparing approach is scant. In this prospective study, a total of 12 patients with an articular humeral fracture were treated using this approach. At a mean followup of 1,7 years, the average range of motion was 112.8° (range from 85° to 135°); the elbow flexion averaged 125.5° (range from 112° to 135°) and the deficit of elbow extension 14.6° (range from 0° to 30°). All the elbows were stable. The Mayo Elbow Performance Score (MEPS) averaged 93.3 (range from 80 to 100). In the present series no failure of the triceps reattachment to the olecranon was found, and all the patients recalled returning to their previous daily life activities without impairment with a satisfactory MEPS. As a conclusion, the triceps-sparing approach can be considered for treating distal articular humerus fractures. We consider that three clinical settings can be more favorable to use this approach: those cases in which a total elbow prosthesis might be needed, cases of ipsilateral diaphyseal fracture, or presence of previous hardware in the olecranon.

Estudio de la concordancia de un sistema de planificación preoperatoria digital en artroplastia total de cadera / Study of the consistency of a system for preoperative planning digital in total arthroplasty of the hip

Objetivo. Comprobar el grado de concordancia de un sistema informático de planificación preoperatoria, en comparación con el resultado final en la radiografía postoperatoria. Material y método. Se analizaron 55 implantes de prótesis total de cadera. Se utilizó un programa informático de planificación comercializado NETEOUS(R) (Socinser(R), Gijón, España). La valoración de la concordancia se realizó calculando el índice Kappa para el tipo de vástago o el índice de concordancia de Lin para el resto de medidas: talla de vástago y cotilo; cuello protésico; y distancia desde el centro de rotación a trocánter menor. También se describieron los porcentajes de aciertos. Resultados. Tamaño de vástago: el acierto exacto o con error de solo una talla fue del 61,6%; cuantitativamente fue un Lin de 0,64 (sustancial). Offset horizontal: se obtuvo una concordancia satisfactoria (índice de Kappa de 0,75). En 6 casos (10,90%) se cambió a lateralizado durante la cirugía, para obtener mayor estabilidad articular. Tamaño del cotilo: la concordancia obtenida fue de 0,67 (sustancial) con un grado de aciertos del 43,6%. Longitud del cuello protésico: los aciertos exactos o con error de solo una talla se hallaron en un 50,9%, nivel de concordancia moderada. Distancia del centro de rotación a trocánter menor: se apreció una concordancia casi perfecta con un Lin de 0,95. El porcentaje de aciertos exactos o con discrepancia inferior a 5mm fue del 74,5%. Discusión y conclusión. En nuestras manos el sistema informático de planificación preoperatoria analizado ha proporcionado índices de concordancia aceptables al compararlo con el resultado postoperatorio. No obstante, hacen falta trabajos que sean verificados por observadores independientes (AU)

Objective. Check the agreement of a preoperative digital templating, compared with the final result in the postoperative radiograph. Material and method. The study was carried out on a 55 total hip prosthesis. A templating-software Neteous(R) (Socincer(R), Gijón, Spain) was used. Agreement was measured using the Kappa Index for the stem offset or Lin Index for others variables: stem size, cup size, femoral neck length, and the distance from the center of rotation of the femoral head to the lesser trochanter. The percentage of accurate hits was also described. Results. Stem size: The exact success or error of only one size was of 61.6%. Quantitatively the Lin Index was 0.64 (substantial). Horizontal offset: satisfactory agreement was obtained (Kappa index of 0.75). In 6 cases (10.90%) was changed to lateralized during surgery, for more joint stability. Size of the cup: the agreement obtained was 0.67 (substantial) with a hit grade of 43.6%. Prosthetic neck length: the exact hit or error of only one size were found in 50.9%, moderate level of agreement. Distance from the center of rotation to the lesser trochanter: was observed for almost perfect agreement with Lin Index of 0.95. The exact percentage of hits or gap error less than 5mm was 74.5%. Discussion and conclusion. In ours hands, the preoperative templating software analyzed, has provided acceptable agreement rates, when compared with the postoperative result. But it takes more works verified by independent observers (AU)

[Study of the consistency of a system for preoperative planning digital in total arthroplasty of the hip]. / Estudio de la concordancia de un sistema de planificación preoperatoria digital en artroplastia total de cadera.

OBJECTIVE: Check the agreement of a preoperative digital templating, compared with the final result in the postoperative radiograph. MATERIAL AND METHOD: The study was carried out on a 55 total hip prosthesis. A templating-software Neteous (Socincer, Gijón, Spain) was used. Agreement was measured using the Kappa Index for the stem offset or Lin Index for others variables: stem size, cup size, femoral neck length, and the distance from the center of rotation of the femoral head to the lesser trochanter. The percentage of accurate hits was also described. RESULTS: Stem size: The exact success or error of only one size was of 61.6%. Quantitatively the Lin Index was 0.64 (substantial). Horizontal offset: satisfactory agreement was obtained (Kappa index of 0.75). In 6 cases (10.90%) was changed to lateralized during surgery, for more joint stability. Size of the cup: the agreement obtained was 0.67 (substantial) with a hit grade of 43.6%. Prosthetic neck length: the exact hit or error of only one size were found in 50.9%, moderate level of agreement. Distance from the center of rotation to the lesser trochanter: was observed for almost perfect agreement with Lin Index of 0.95. The exact percentage of hits or gap error less than 5mm was 74.5%. DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: In ours hands, the preoperative templating software analyzed, has provided acceptable agreement rates, when compared with the postoperative result. But it takes more works verified by independent observers.

Rotura de la unión musculotendinosa distal del bíceps. A propósito de dos casos / Distal biceps musculotendinous rupture. Report of two cases

La rotura de la unión músculo-tendinosa distal del bíceps es infrecuente. Presentamos dos pacientes con una rotura de la unión músculo-tendinosa distal del bíceps. El primer paciente jugaba en posición de portero en un equipo de fútbol y presentó un dolor al lanzar la pelota con su brazo izquierdo. El segundo paciente presentó un dolor de inicio súbito en el codo izquierdo mientras levantaba un peso. El mecanismo coincide, una elevación glenohumeral con el codo extendido y el antebrazo supinado. Ninguno de los pacientes presentados fueron intervenidos ni tampoco realizaron rehabilitación. A los seis meses de la rotura obtuvieron una puntuación de 100 con el Mayo Elbow Performance Score. En estos casos está indicado el tratamiento conservador con buenos resultados funcionales (AU)

Musculotendinous ruptures of the distal biceps are extremely rare and have similar clinical presentation. We present two patients presenting a distal biceps musculotendinous rupture (MTR). The first patient was the goalkeeper in a soccer team, and experienced a sudden pain while throwing the ball with his left arm. The second patient experienced a sudden pain when he was lifting a weight with his right arm. The mechanism is common in both cases, glenohumeral elevation with the elbow extended and the forearm in supination. These patients, who did not undergo surgical repair neither rehabilitation, obtained a score of 100 according to the Mayo Clinic Performance Index for the Elbow at 6 months follow-up. The conservative treatment is indicated with good functional results (AU)

Acute disassembly of a bipolar radial head arthroplasty.

The GUEPAR(®) implant is a metallic bipolar radial head prosthesis designed to treat comminuted radial head fractures when anatomic realignment of the articular surface of the radiocapitellar joint is not possible. We report herein the rare case of an acute complete disassembly of this implant, discuss the reason for this occurrence and review the literature. In the presented case, the complete removal of the prosthesis provided a satisfactory outcome with an excellent Mayo Elbow Performance Score at 12months follow-up.

[Evaluation of the results of the treatment of Vancouver B1 periprosthetic fractures and proposed indications for the use of cortical allograft as part of the fixation]. / Evaluación de resultados en el tratamiento de fracturas periprotésicas Vancouver B1 y propuesta de indicaciones del uso de aloinjerto cortical como parte de la fijación.

Currently there is limited information on the indications for the use of cortical allograft for the treatment of periprosthetic fractures on a stable stem. The purpose of this study was to retrospectively evaluate the treatment and the results obtained in this type of fractures and propose a series of criteria for the use of cortical allograft. Between 2003 and 2008 a total of 31 periprosthetic femur fractures were treated at our institution. Twelve of them were classified as B1: 6 were treated with a Dall-Miles (Stryker) system plate and 6 with the same plate supplemented with a structural cortical allograft over the medial cortex of the femur (DM and DM-Allo groups, respectively). An evaluation of the clinical and radiologic results was performed in the latest follow-up available. A patient in the DM-Allo group had rupture of a screw and 10 degrees varization; the fracture healed despite this and the patient had a satisfactory clinical course. The Oxford Hip Score was 9 points lower in the DM group compared with the DM-Allo group, and the EQ-5D health scale was 0.10 better for the DM group. The DM-Allo group had a longer hospital stay and more transfusion-related requirements. We think that the patients with clinical or radiologic criteria of osteoporotic bone may benefit from the use of a cortical allograft to favor healing and increase the bone stock. However, those advantages should be weighed considering the higher risk of surgical-related morbidity associated with the surgical insult.

Artritis séptica del hombro tras infiltración con corticoides / Septic arthritis of the shoulder after esteroid infiltration

La inyección intraarticular de analgésicos y /o antiinflamatorios en diferentes patologías del aparato locomotor es un práctica cada vez más generalizada en atención primaria. La complicación más grave de esta maniobra es la artritis séptica, que se produce en menos del 0,01% de los casos. Presentamos 5 casos de artritis séptica de hombro tras infiltración con corticoides en 5 pacientes con clínica de tendinitis del manguito de los rotadores. Los gérmenes responsables de la infección fueron: Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) en 4 casos y Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) en 1 caso

The use of infiltrations is common for the treatment of different affections of the locomotive system, and is practiced in primary care, and by specialiced care as do reumatologist, rehabilitation and sports doctors and orthopedic surgeons. Septic arthritis after infiltration is found in 1 of each 10.000 cases; despite it is an uncommon complication, remains the most fearsome and serious of all. We present 5 cases of septic arthritis of the shoulder after infiltration in 5 patients which presented with clinical signs of rotator cuff syndrom. The responsible germs were Staphylococcus aureus (S. aureus) in 4 cases and Pasteurella multocida (P. multocida) in 1 case (AU)

Enfermedad de Brower u osteitis condensante de clavícula / Brower disease or condensing osteitis of the clavicle: a case report

La enfermedad de Brower, también conocida como osteitiscondensante de clavícula, es una enfermedad infrecuente queafecta a la articulación esternoclavicular. Se presenta el casode una paciente de 74 años que aquejaba tumefacción y dolorleve en la articulación esternoclavicular derecha, en la que sediagnosticó una osteitis condensante de clavícula, documentadamediante tomografía computadorizada. A pesar de que noes recomendable realizarlo de forma sistemática, se efectuóuna punción para biopsia y cultivo para descartar la presenciade una neoplasia o infección. A los cinco años de seguimiento,la evolución ha sido satisfactoria simplemente mediantetratamiento sintomático. Finalmente se revisa tanto el tratamientocomo el diagnóstico diferencial de la enfermedad deBrower

Bower disease, also known as condensing osteitis of theclavicle, is an uncommon disease afecting the sternoclavicularjoint. We present a 74 year-old woman complaining ofswelling and slight pain in the right sternoclavicular joint inwhich a condensing osteitis was documented by computer tomography.Despite it is not routinely recommended, needlebiopsy and cultures were performed to rule out infection ormalignancy. At five years-follow-up, the evolution has beensatisfactory simply with symptomatic treatment. Finally, managementof Brower disease and differential diagnose is discussed