Osteoid osteoma may be symptomatic, but the pain is more severe at night. In addition, radiologic examination will demonstrate a radiolucent nidus surrounded by sclerotic bone. Osteomyelitis is generally a diagnosis of patients secondary to IV drug abuse. In contradistinction to condensing osteitis, osteomyelitis will demonstrate bone destruction, periosteal reaction, and often joint space narrowing. For the same reasons, metastasis and osteosarcoma may be differentiated from condensing osteitis.
Treatment consists of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory medications.
In the most severe cases, excision of the medial third of the clavicle is a last resort. A Rare But Frequently Misdiagnosed Condition.