MRI findings of prolonged post-traumatic sternal pain

Abstract

Various factors may be responsible for prolonged sternal pain following thoracic trauma, and these can be viewed with MRI. In cases of sternal nonunion there was common fluid-like signal in the fracture interspace between the bony edges, and the bone marrow adjacent to the nonunion showed altered signal intensity. MRI identified sternal nonunion and other trauma-related abnormalities of the sternum following chest trauma.

Sternal fractures and their management

“…This may require surgical correction. [12] Predisposing factors for delayed or impaired union include advanced age, osteoporosis, diabetes, and corticosteroid therapy. Contributing factors include mechanical and anatomical factors such as instability and poor bone-to-bone contact.…”

Traumatic Chest Wall Injuries

“…Pneumothorax, hemothorax, cardiac tamponade, and pulmonary contusions, as well as injuries to the abdomen and diaphragm are common softtissue injuries. Thoracic spine compression fractures, as well as trauma to the head, neck, and extremities are also common [50,51].…”

Sternal fractures

“…Rarer complications include non-union where persistent features of pain, tenderness and clicking raise awareness (Holderman, 1928;Mayba, 1986;Wu et al, 2004;Gallo et al, 2006;Grosse et al, 2007). Surgery if indicated should include bone grafting and internal fixation (Mayba, 1986;Hendrickson et al, 1996;Bertin et al, 2002;Wu et al, 2004;Gallo et al, 2006).…”