Treatment:
The treatment of distal clavicle osteolysis is initially non-operative. The goal of treatment of osteolysis of the distal clavicle is to reduce pain while the clavicle “remineralizes”.
Treatment modalities include: rest, activity modifications, ice, and anti-inflammatory medications. If these measures are not effective a cortisone injection into the AC joint may be performed. In most cases, the clavicle slowly remineralizes (over 4 to 6 months). In some cases, the bones do not remineralize and symptoms may persist. In this scenario, surgical treatment may be considered. Surgery is performed using arthroscopic techniques to resect the affected portion of the clavicle.
