Asymptomatic enlargement of the clavicle : A review of underlying aetiologies


Published online: Dec 27 2010

Dmitriy Petrov, Daniel Marchalik, Andrew Lipsky, Sandy Milgraum

From Robert Wood Johnson Medical School, University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey, New Brunswick, NJ, USA

Abstract

An asymptomatic enlargement of the medial clavicle is a condition that is often both missed and misdiagnosed. We review the most common causes of an isolated and asymptomatic enlargement of the medial clavicle. Underlying aetiologies include osteoarthritis of the sternoclavicular joint, condensing osteitis, spontaneous dislocation of the sternoclavicular joint, and sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis. Key points in the history and physical examination as well as characteristic radiographic findings are sufficient for correct diagnoses. Treatment is conservative.