Hyperostosis of the clavicle and ossification of the costoclavicular ligament in association with ankylosing spondylitis.

A patient with ossification of the ligaments of the entire vertebral column has shoulder difficulties due to ossification of the right costoclavicular ligament. The speculation is that the sclerotic changes in the clavicle were caused by the same inflammatory process that has involved the ligaments of the vertebral column and of the sacroiliac joints. In some cases reported in the literature, although not in ours, vascular structures in the costoclavicular space were involved, resulting in venous obstruction or phlebitis. The patient's therapy currently consists of rehabilitation exercises. Nonsteroidal antiinflammatory medication was prescribed in the past without any marked benefit.