Manubriosternal joint: imaging features of normal anatomy and arthritis

Abstract

Normal findings of the manubriosternal joint vary and include narrowing, irregularity, and ankylosis. Proliferative changes are common during the degenerative process, and they include osteophyte formation and sclerosis. Ankylosis may be an end result. Imaging features of inflammatory arthritides are also generally nonspecific. Bone marrow and adjacent soft tissue change on magnetic resonance imaging with no radiographic findings is a relatively early change. Only erosion and fluffy adjacent bone resorption on plain radiography and computed tomography are specific features of active arthritis.

Ultrasonographic Involvement of the anterior chest wall in Spondyloarthritis: Factors associated with 5-years structural progression. A prospective study in 58 patients

“…In our study we focused on specific structural lesions secondary to an inflammatory process (erosions and ankylosis). Manubiosternal ankylosis is a common finding in the healthy population but its prevalence is less important than in spondyloarthtitis [23]. Thus findings are more likely to be secondary to inflammatory process.…”

MRI of the axial skeleton in spondyloarthritis: the many faces of new bone formation

“…Although rarely discussed—and not even mentioned in the ASAS handbook—ankylosis of the manubriosternal joint (Fig. 8) or the sternoclavicular joints can occur in SpA [11, 32]. Nevertheless, sagittal imaging planes—as obtained in standard MRI of the spine in SpA—allow detailed evaluation of the manubriosternal joint.…”

Ultrasound-guided intra-articular corticosteroid injection in a patient with manubriosternal joint involvement of ankylosing spondylitis: A case report

“…Infection, trauma, crystal deposition disease, and inflammatory diseases such as ankylosing spondylitis (AS) and rheumatic arthritis (RA) can cause arthritis of the MSJ[ 3 ]. Although these diseases are often accompanied by systemic symptoms, in rare cases intermittent MSJ arthralgia can be a major sign of arthritic involvement.…”