Traumatic manubriosternal dislocation: an interesting case

Abstract

Introduction Manubriosternal joint dislocation is an uncommon injury. This condition may be predisposed by rheumatoid arthritis and severe kyphosis. Case report We report a case of a 61-year-old female with traumatic manubriosternal dislocation which was initially not diagnosed by the acute medical team. She presented with acute chest pain after being kicked by a horse. On examination, it was felt that whilst she had bruising on the right side of her chest indicative of possible rib fractures, and confirmed by standard anteroposterior chest X-ray, the central chest pain may be of cardiac cause. After thorough investigation, a cardiac cause had been ruled out, and a surgical opinion was requested due to unresolved thoracic pain. On full clinical examination, an obvious deformity of the sternum at the manubriosternal junction was seen. Lateral chest X-rays revealed anterior displacement of the body of the sternum, which has been treated conservatively with successful outcome. Conclusion It is important in such cases of thoracic trauma that a lateral view chest X-ray is performed as the anteroposterior view is not sufficient to evaluate thoracic injuries.