Further information is provided below about avascular necrosis, bone cysts and distal clavicle osteolysis (the end of the collarbone).
If the normal blood supply is disrupted, the bone can become diseased and even die. This is called avascular necrosis. Only the framework of bone tissue, consisting of the calcium structure, then remains, without living cells in it. This causes pain and may be a reason to plan a surgical procedure.
Bone cysts can occur spontaneously or due to the presence of osteoarthritis or arthritis over a prolonged period of time. These can also cause pain that may lead to surgery. An X-ray is usually sufficient for the diagnosis.
Osteolysis is a process in which the bone at the end of the collarbone gradually disappears, since the body itself makes the bone disappear. This can also be the cause of pain.
Please contact your treating doctor for more information about these conditions.
In all the above cases, a bone scintigraphy (bone scan) can sometimes be helpful for diagnosis. The bone scan reveals a 'hot spot', i.e. a report of elevated incidence.
Your doctor will discuss the treatment options with you.
