Summary
We report a child who suffered from short stature of unknown aetiology and rigid thoracolumbar kyphoscoliosis and developed a symptomatic spontaneous fracture of the sternum while being treated in a Boston brace. Modification of the brace was followed by uneventful healing of the sternal fracture. To our knowledge no mention has been previously made of this extremely rare complication, but the spine surgeon who treats complex spinal deformities in early childhood with braces should be aware of this potential complication, particularly if they are associated with rigid rotational kyphosis.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Aaro S, Berg U (1982) The immediate effect of Boston brace on the renal function in patients with idiopathic scoliosis. Clin Orthop 170:243–245
Aaro S, Burstrom R, Dahlborn M (1981) The derotating effect of the Boston brace. A comparison between computer tomography and a conventional method. Spine 6:477–500
Bauer FW, McBeans M (1977) Sternal fracture and multiple myeloma. N Engl J Med 297:674–676
Bedbrook G (1982) Injuries of the spine. In: Wilson JN (ed) Watson-Jones fractures and joint injuries, 6th edn. vol 2, Churchil Livingstone, Edinburg, pp 289–292
Carr WA, Moe JH, Winter RB (1980) Treatment of idiopathic scoliosis in the Milwaukee brace: long-term results. J Bone Joint Surg [Am] 62:599–603
Gibson LD, Carter R, Hinshaw DB (1962) Surgical significance of sternal fracture. Surg Gynecol Obstet 443:114–118
Gompels BM, Votaw ML, Martel W (1972) Correlation of radiological manifestations of multiple myeloma with immunoglobulin abnormalities and prognosis. Radiology 104:509–511
Hall JE, Miller W, Shuman W, Stanish W (1975) Defined concept in the orthotic management of idiopathic scoliosis. Prosthet Orthot Int 29:7–11
Itani M, Evans AG, Park MW (1982) )Spontaneous sternal collapse. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 64:432–436
Last RJ (1966) Anatomy, regional and applied, 4th edn. Churchill, London, pp 336–340
Laurnen EL, Tupper JW, Mullen MP (1983) The Boston brace in thoracic scoliosis. A preliminary report. Spine 8:288–392
Law IP, Jones C (1975) IgA, myeloma and sternal fracture. JAMA 233:767–770
Park WM, McCall IW, McSweeney I, Jones BF (1980) Cervicodorsal injury presenting as sternal fracture. Clin Radiol 31: 49–51
Perez FL Jr, Coddington RC (1983) A fracture of the sternum in a child. Case report. J Pediatr Orthop 3:513–516
Robertson DHH (1955) Kyphosis and fracture of the manubrium in tetanus: report of case. J Bone Joint Surg [Br] 37:466–470
Rutledge DI (1962) Spontaneous fracture of the sternum simulating myocardial infarction. Postgrad Med 32:502–506
Uden A, Willner S, Petterson H (1982) Initial correction with the Boston thoracic brace. Acta Orthop Scand 53:907–912
Urovitz EPM, Fornasier UL, Czitrom AA (1977) Sternal metastases and associated pathological fractures. Thorax 32:444–449
Vassalo L (1969) Spontaneous fracture of the sternum simulating pulmonary embolism. Br J Clin Pract 23:388–341
Watts HG, Hall JE, Stanish W (1977) The Boston brace system for the treatment of low thoracic and lumbar scoliosis by the use of a girdle without superstructure. Clin Orthop 126:87–92
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Korovessis, P., Sdougos, G. & Dimas, T. Spontaneous fracture of the sternum in a child being treated in a Boston brace for kyphoscoliosis. Eur Spine J 3, 112–114 (1994). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02221450
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF02221450