Erosion or absence of the distal ends of the clavicles may be seen in a wide range of conditions.
Differential diagnosis
Bilateral erosions
atraumatic distal clavicular osteolysis: due to repetitive microtrauma; classically described in weightlifters, but can affect anyone performing repetitive overhead lifting and carrying 3,4
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subchondral bone resorption; usually symmetric with osteopenia, abnormal trabecular pattern
the acromion is normal, but the sternoclavicular joint may be affected
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bilateral or unilateral changes with soft tissue swelling, subchondral osteoporosis and erosion of the outer third of the clavicle
acromial erosions may occur later in the disease process
pyknodysostosis (rare)
progeria (rare) 5
Unilateral erosion
post-traumatic distal clavicular osteolysis 3,4
See also
mnemonic (SHIRT Pocket)
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