The Shoulder

Shoulder Girdle

Sternocostoclavicular Hyperostosis

Symptoms

This is a rare condition that involves adults of both sexes between 30 and 50 years. The process begins with ossification in the ligaments of the junction of medial clavicle, sternum and first rib. Later on the bones become involved as well.

In some cases, the hyperostosis is extensive and forms a solid block of bone in the sternoclavicular joint, the sternocostal-I joint and the costoclavicular ligaments.

Clinical Findings

Motion of the shoulder girdle becomes severely restricted, evoluting to complete ankylosis.

Active and passive elevation of the left scapula is completely absent.
The elevation of the arm is limited to 100-120° with an anterior component.
The scapula remains completely immobile during the elevation of the arm.

As a result of compensatory movements of the scapula, patients may develop overuse lesions of the AC joint.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for the disorder.

Infiltration of the sternoclavicular ligaments may give some temporary and subjective relieve.
Surgery usually leads to bad results.

Preliminary Examination / Interpretation / Pathology of Shoulder Girdle / Sternoclavicular Lesions