Osteolysis of the distal clavicle - Readily detected and treated shoulder pain

IN BRIEF: Osteolysis of the distal clavicle is a pathologic process involvi ng resorption of the distal clavicle and is usually posttraumatic or caused by the repetitive microtrauma of weight lifting. Pain localized to the acr omioclavicular joint and radiographs or hone scans showing pathology in the distal clavicle are diagnostic. Modification of activities, such as curtai lment of weight lifting, often alleviates symptoms, but surgery is an optio n when conservative measures fail or for patients who cannot limit their ac tivities.