Noninflammatory sclerosis of the sternal end of the clavicle: a follow-up study and review of the literature.

The cases of 14 adult females with swelling, tenderness, and sclerosis of the inferomedial part of the clavicle are presented. They were seen during a 16-year period, suggesting that the condition is rare. In ten patients strain at the sternoclavicular joint seemed to be an etiological factor. Eleven patients were followed for periods of 1-13 years (mean 5 years). The clavicular sclerosis regressed and they all developed signs of osteoarthrosis. Based upon available biopsy results and review of reported cases, it is hypothesized that the radiographic changes are due to osteonecrosis of the medial end of the clavicle with subsequent development of osteoarthrosis.