Distal Clavicle Osteochondroma Causing Supraspinatus Tendinopathy

Abstract

Shoulder pain is a very common symptom especially in young and active population. Rotator cuff tendinopathies are believed to be the most common cause of shoulder pain up to 86%. Tumors around the shoulder area can cause pain or joint stiffness when expanding in the subacromial space. We present a rare case of a distal clavicle osteochondroma. It is a benign tumor which in this area causes supraspinatus tendinopathy and every physician should suspect this kind of diseases during the diagnostic approach of a shoulder pain. In this case, early diagnosis and appropriate treatment with excision of the lesion gave us a very good outcome with fully relief of the symptoms.

Keywords: distal clavicle; osteochondroma; painful shoulder; supraspinatus tendinopathy.

Figure 1. Anteroposterior radiograph of the right shoulder. A distal clavicle tumor is depicted.

Figure 2. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) of the lesion highlights benign characteristics.

Figure 3. The tumor has been fully excised.

Figure 4. Transosseous sutures for the reattachment of the anterior deltoid muscle to the clavicle bone.

Figure 5. Postoperative anteroposterior radiograph. The tumor is fully excised.