Osteolysis of the distal clavicle
(4 discussions)
Hello,
Does anyone know of the difference between Osteolysis of the distal clavicle and an AC joint seperation?
Is there much, if any difference and if so how can you tell which is which?
I have read that Osteolysis can be caused by repetitive microtrauma, and is can very succesfully treated by surgery. My injury was initially started by what I would consider to be repetitive microtrama, and has been painfull for over a year and a half, with the last 5 months being the worse because at that point I did hurt it badly.
Should I look into the possibilities of surgery, and how would I go about it? My Physio hasn’t said a thing about surgery so far, and I feel she wouldn’t look into it.
Any advise would be very usefull. Thanks,
Sarah.
4 comments
sarah_g91
Thanks for that Runnerchick
runnerchick
I went to dictionary.com (sure beats digging out a dictionary! ) and it had these definitions of osteolysis-
Dissolution or degeneration of bone tissue through disease.
Softening and absorption of bone.
Lysis of bone caused by disease or infection or inadequate blood supply.
They also had links to the ten most popular sites on osteolysis. I haven’t checked any of them out yet but they may help you.
runnerchick
sarah_g91
Mmmm thanks for the reply. I don’t think that is the difference.
This is a quote from the article I read.
“Osteolysis of the distal clavicle is a painful condition that can occur after acute injury or repetitive microtrauma.”
So it looks like it can be caused by both.
What I am wondering is what Osteolysis means?
I know that what they are talking about is the AC Jiont.
Is it just another fancy name for the injury? Or perhaps that’s what it’s called when it becomes long term??????
Other things in the article that I didn’t understand were.
“arthroscopic distal clavicle resection through a direct superior approach.” ???????
Gobbledegook to me!!!!!
Any ideas?
Again thanks Runnerchick for your reply
Sarah.
runnerchick
It sounds to me that the osteolysis is more of an overuse injury. From what I know about AC separations they’re more of an acute injury caused by falling on an outstreched arm, recieving a direct blow to the clavical, ect.
Perhaps your physio hasn’t suggested surgery because s/he is just trying to treat your symptoms. Since it sounds like this problem has been going on for quite a while, I’d probably consider surgery. Then again, my podiatrist said that I needed immediate surgery for my bunions and an orthopedic surgeon said I didn’t need it at all. Hmmm. Anyhow, hope this helps…
runnerchick