Honeycomb Sternum Mimicking Manubriosternal Dislocation in a Pediatric Trauma Patient

TL;DR

A young girl's chest injury was initially suspected to be a dislocation but was found to be a normal anatomical variant called honeycomb sternum.

Contribution

Highlights the importance of recognizing honeycomb sternum as a normal variant in pediatric trauma evaluations.

Findings

Initial chest X-ray suggested manubriosternal dislocation in a four-year-old girl.

Further imaging and blood tests revealed a normal anatomical variant, not an acute injury.

The case emphasizes the need to consider developmental variants to avoid misdiagnosis.

Abstract

This case report describes a four-year-old girl who presented to the emergency department after falling from a height. The initial assessment, including a chest X-ray, raised concern for a manubriosternal joint dislocation. To further evaluate the suspected sternal injury, blood tests and a CT chest were performed. These investigations revealed no signs of acute trauma but instead identified a normal anatomical variant, non-fused lateral ossification centers of the sternum, commonly referred to as “honeycomb sternum.” This case underscores the importance of recognizing developmental variants in pediatric patients to prevent misdiagnosis, unnecessary imaging, and avoidable referrals.

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