SAPHO syndrome is thought to comprise a spectrum of disorders that share some clinical, radiologic and pathologic characteristics. An entity known as chronic recurrent multifocal osteomyelitis (CRMO) was first described in 1972. Subsequently in 1978 several cases of CRMO were associated with clinical findings of palmoplantar pustulosis. Since then, a number of associations between skin conditions and osteoarticular disorders have been reported with a variety of different names including sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis, pustulotic arthro-osteitis, and acne-associated spondyloarthropathy. SAPHO was coined in 1987 and basically represents a spectrum of inflammatory osteitis which may or may not be associated with dermatologic pathology.

Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis a disorder of adults characterized by distinctive bone overgrowth and soft tissue ossification of the clavicle, sternum and anterior portions of the ribs, usually present bilaterally. SAPHO syndrome is a name used collectively for a group of disorders whose most common manifestation is osteitis of the anterior chest wall, including sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis. Many patients also have pustulosis palmaris et plantaris. The bone overgrowth may lead to occlusion of the subclavian veins. On radiographs, hyperostosis is noted to involve the sternum, clavicle and upper ribs; additional changes in the vertebral column include spinal outgrowths that resemble those of ankylosing spondylitis, diffuse idiopathic skeletal hyperostosis or psoriatic spondylitis. Ligament ossification also may be present.

Sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garre aka/or Sternocostoclavicular hyperostosis may cause or feature - Miscellaneous syndromes Hyperostosis Symptoms and Signs Arthropathy may be associated with Pustulosis palmaris et plantaris Sclerosing osteomyelitis of Garre: Definition(s) via UMLS "A rare, benign rheumatologic disorder or syndrome characterized by hyperostosis and soft tissue ossification between the clavicles and the anterior part of the upper ribs. It is often associated with the dermatologic disorder palmoplantar pustulosis, particularly in Japan. Careful diagnosis is required to distinguish it from psoriatic arthritis, OSTEITIS DEFORMANS, and other diseases. Spondylitis of pustulosis palmaris et plantaris is one of the possible causes; also, evidence suggests one origin may be bone infection. Bone imaging is especially useful for diagnosis. It was originally described by Sonozaki in 1974."