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Living with Medial condensing osteitis of the clavicle

A rare, benign bone condition of the collarbone that causes swelling and lasting shoulder pain.

Understanding Medial condensing osteitis of the clavicle

Medial condensing osteitis of the clavicle is a rare bone disease in which part of the collarbone near the breastbone becomes denser and swollen.

It is benign (not cancer) and usually affects one side. People notice local swelling and ongoing pain. X-rays show the inner end of the collarbone has widened and looks denser. It can begin from childhood to adulthood.

Signs & symptoms

Symptoms vary from person to person. GARD lists these among the most common:

  • Shoulder pain
  • Swelling near the collarbone
  • Abnormal collarbone shape
  • Patchy reduction of bone density
  • Limited shoulder movement

Not everyone has every symptom. GARD's list comes from the Human Phenotype Ontology.

Diagnosis

  1. Talk with your doctor

    Share the symptoms you've noticed, when they started and your family health history. Notes and photos can help.

  2. See a specialist

    Specialists who may be involved include autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists and bone and joint specialists.

  3. Ask which tests can help

    Your care team will decide which exams and tests can confirm the diagnosis.

Care & treatment

Care team
autoimmune and inflammatory disease specialists (rheumatologists); Bone and joint specialists (orthopedists or orthopedic surgeons)
Expert care
Ask about multidisciplinary care centers for rare conditions
Treatment
GARD doesn't list specific treatments for this condition. Your care team will tailor care to your symptoms.
Research
Clinical trials and observational studies may be options. See the research section below.

General information, not medical advice. Your care team makes the decisions.

Everyday life

Living with a rare condition is easier with support.

  • Connect with rare disease patient organizations for support
  • Keep notes on symptoms, changes and questions for appointments
  • Ask about patient registries that help research
  • Look into financial aid and travel resources for care visits
Bring these questions to your next doctor visit
What imaging confirms this diagnosis?
How can the pain be managed?
Which specialist should follow this?

Quick facts

Symptoms usually startfrom Childhood to Adulthood

GARD doesn't describe a cause for this condition yet.

Also known as: condensing osteitis of the clavicle; condensing osteitis of the medial clavicle; medial condensing osteitis of clavicle; osteitis condensans of medial clavicle; osteitis condensans of the clavicle

Patient organizations

Rare-disease groups that can help

Source: NIH GARD · Medial condensing osteitis of the clavicleGARD ID 10910 · GARD page updated September 2026 · Plain-language summary by Know Rare; editorial review pending. General information, not medical advice.

You are more than your diagnosis

Perspectives from people navigating life with Medial condensing osteitis of the clavicle.

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