Osteolysis of distal clavicle - Bodybuilding.com Forums
What is the treatment for osteolysis of the distal clavicle?
The goal of treatment of osteolysis of the distal clavicle is to reduce pain while the clavicle "remineralizes". Rest or activity modification, anti-inflammatory medications and ice are usually prescribed to reduce pain. If these measures are not effective an injection of cortisone into the AC joint may be necessary. In most cases, the clavicle slowly remineralizes (over 4 to 6 months), but may take on a tapered appearance. In some cases, the bones do not remineralize and a surgical consult may be required. The surgeon may consider resecting (removing) part of the affected clavicle to reduce symptoms.
**Nonoperative treatment. Patients are initially started on a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) and instructed in activity modification. Specifically, weight lifters should avoid bench presses, dips, flies, push-ups, and other lifts that elicit pain. Most patients will respond to activity modification; however, symptoms often recur if the previous weight-training schedule is reinstituted. Intra-articular corticosteroids can be considered for short-term symptom relief, but studies to date have not shown any long-term benefits. Because patients generally retain normal shoulder function, formal physical therapy is generally not initiated unless there is concomitant shoulder pathology. Patients whose condition does not respond to conservative management or who cannot limit their activities require surgery.
