Aim: Osteitis of the clavicle is rare and not well described in the international literature. We describe a concept of surgical treatment with medium-term observations.
Method: A total of 22 patients (12 women, 10 men; BMI Ø 24.6 kg/m(2), age Ø 48 years) with osteitis of the clavicle were included in the series. The treatment regime consisted of a surgical approach. Data collection was prospective. Data gathered preoperatively and at follow-up included clinical examination, laboratory findings, radiographs and the Constant scoring system. The mean follow-up period was 13.3 (3-53) months.
Results: The described surgical concept was able to permanently eliminate infection in all cases studied. Surgical revisions were required in six patients. The average Constant score showed a significant increase from 66 to 84 at follow-up. Patients also showed good functional results after total resection of the clavicle.
Conclusion: The reported treatment regime provides reliable results in terms of eliminating infection with good clinical results. Neighboring joints were frequently also involved in the infection and needed to be surgically addressed.