Episternal ossicles

Last revised by Mostafa Elfeky on 18 Aug 2021

Episternal (or suprasternalossicles are accessory bones and a normal variant of the sternum. They result from supernumerary ossification centers and are seen in ~4% (range 1-7%) of the population.

Episternal ossicles are usually located posterior or superior to the superior border of the manubrium and may be unilateral or bilateral. They range in diameter from 2-15 mm and are located in a retro- or supra-manubrial location.

In three dimensions, they are quadrilateral pyramids whose bases articulate with the manubrium. The apices point medially, but rounding of the corners may mask this appearance.

Their visualization using radiographs can be difficult but with the use of computed tomography are clearly identifiable, revealing unilateral or bilateral triangular ossicles in a retro- or supra-manubrial location.

It is also important to differentiate them from:

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