ATRAUMATIC OSTEOLYSIS OF THE DISTAL CLAVICLE - RESULTS OF OPEN SURGICAL EXCISION

A group of 14 patients underwent 17 consecutive open surgical excision s of the distal clavicle for atraumatic osteolysis after having failed conservative treatment. All patients were men involved in weight trai ning or heavy-lifting occupations. The diagnosis was based on no histo ry of shoulder trauma, positive plain radiographs, and positive joint scintigraphy. All 14 patients were available for followup at an averag e of 25 months postoperatively. The UCLA Shoulder Rating Scale was use d for evaluation. All patients reported full return to sports and empl oyment at a satisfactory level. All results were rated as excellent (8 ) or good (9). Eleven of the 14 patients had bilateral involvement to some extent. One patient had undergone open excision of the contralate ral distal clavicle before the study and 3 patients presented with bil ateral symptoms and underwent staged bilateral excisions during the st udy. Seven patients presented with contralateral symptoms and radiogra phic involvement at latest followup after return to weight-lifting act ivities.