Brief Answer: Unlikely to be osteomyelitis Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about these symptoms and all the disturbing thoughts that have been going through your mind. I hope together we would be able to approach this, identify the cause and establish a treatment plan to help you overcome this. From the description of your symptoms, this is very unlikely to be osteomyelitis. Bone infections would not present with a palpable mass on the surface. They often develop over weeks and the pain is a diffuse bone pain. Abscess located in the bone never really have the possibility to increase in size to the extend of becoming palpable on the surface unless in severe bone complications which is exactly not the case with you. The description of your symptoms is suggestive of costochondritis. This is inflammation of cartilage that joins chest bones to the sternum most often following a viral upper respiratory tract infection. This is usually a self limiting infection that need just pain medications to address it. However, it would be difficult to conclude on a specific diagnosis without a proper examination and some basic tests. We would need to do an erythrocyte sedimentation rate(ESR) and at a minimum an xray to try and understand what the exact nature of this. I don't think it would be a waste of time and resources consulting your doctor. This would enable the above examination and tests to be done. Depending on the initial findings, a management plan would be developed to address whatever the problem is. I hope you find this helpful.I wish you well.Thank you for using our services and please feel free to ask for clarifications and more information if need be. Dr. Ditah, MD.

---

Brief Answer: Thanks for the clarification! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this clarification. It escaped my mind it we were referring to the scapula and not the clavicule! sorry for that mix up. In any case, this is clearly not osteomyelitis. While the exact cause is pending investigations, I will lean more towards a reactive inflammatory response from the upper respiratory tract infection. For now, it does not warrant an ER visit but I will suggest you go in as soon as possible. Trying some anti inflammatory medications like Diclofenac and Tylenol would offer great relief. If you have never taken these before, please check with your doctor to make sure they are say for you. I hope this helps. Am again sincerely sorry for the mix up. Feel free to ask for more information or clarification if need be. Thanks. Dr. Ditah, MD.

---