Main Menu Home Page Condensing osteitis of the clavicle. A review of the literature and report of three cases. 550-7 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. 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.