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Insufficiency fracture of the sternum

Case contributed by Chris O'Donnell
Diagnosis certain

Presentation

PH of carcinoma of the breast. Routine follow-up includes abnormal bone scan. Taking risedronate for osteoporosis (DEXA T score -2.6 left neck of femur).

Patient Data

Age: 75 years
Gender: Female
Nuclear medicine

Focal, isolated, intense, hot spot in the mid sternal body of this whole body bone scan without any other abnormal isotope accumulation in bone apart from the acromioclavicular joints.

Sclerotic lesion in the mid sternum with a central linear defect indicative of a healing fracture. Biopsy showed mature trabecular bone with fibrosis and hemosiderin, osteoid, chondral elements and immature bone. No occult malignant cells on immunoperoxide staining.

Case Discussion

Insufficiency fractures of the sternum are rare in osteoporosis and can be undisplaced. Buckle deformity can occur in elderly patients with kyphosis1.  CT findings are typical of any fracture with a linear defect (with or without deformity) and surrounding sclerosis (healing).

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