Sternal Fracture Complicated by a Subcutaneous Abscess in a 5-Year-Old Boy and Diagnosed Using Point-of-Care Ultrasound

Abstract

Background: Although fractures of the sternum are rare in young children, owing to the compliance of the chest wall, these fractures are still possible and require thorough examination. We present a case that emphasizes the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound in the diagnosis of a pediatric sternal fracture complicated by a subcutaneous abscess.

Case report: A 5-year-old boy presented with tenderness of the sternum, with diffuse swelling extending bilaterally to the anterior chest wall. Ultrasound imaging identified irregular alignment of the sternum with a subcutaneous abscess and swirling of purulent material within the abscess in the fracture area. These findings were confirmed on enhanced chest computed tomography and had not been visible at the time of the first evaluation 6 days prior. WHY SHOULD AN EMERGENCY PHYSICIAN BE AWARE OF THIS?: Our case demonstrates the usefulness of point-of-care ultrasound for the diagnosis and appropriate management of a sternal fracture complicated by a subcutaneous abscess in a young child. As ultrasound imaging is easy to perform at the bedside, it is useful for examining pediatric patients with swelling of the anterior chest and local tenderness of the sternum to rule out a sternal fracture, even if these fractures are deemed to be uncommon in children.

Keywords: abscess; child; point-of-care ultrasound; sternal fracture.