Severe and Rapid Post-Traumatic Osteolysis of the Distal Clavicle in a College Athlete: A Case Report and Review of the Literature

Case Report: A 21-year-old female college athlete presented with continually worsening distal clavicle osteolysis. After conservative management and significant activity modification failed to resolve pain, surgical management was considered. Instability in the sagittal plane was believed to contribute to her persistent pain. Surgical management included acromioclavicular (AC) ligament reconstruction, in addition to the standard distal clavicle excision. Conclusion: Horizontal instability in the AC joint may contribute to the failure of conservative treatment in patients with distal clavicle osteolysis. If surgical management is considered, AC ligament reconstruction, in addition to the standard distal clavicle excision, may provide additional benefit in functional outcomes.