Migrating sternal rod: ultrasound identification of an unusual soft tissue foreign body

Background: Sternal hardware migration from its original site of implantation is a rare entity. Bedside ultrasound may identify migrated hardware if the site of migration is the subcutaneous tissue.

Objectives: This case report will discuss the unusual phenomenon of migrating sternal hardware, as well as the ultrasonographic characteristics of soft tissue foreign bodies.

Case report: A 51-year-old man presented to the Emergency Department with a 2-month history of intermittent lower abdominal pain, 11 months status post bilateral lung transplant surgery. His examination was remarkable for a palpable mass over the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. Initial bedside ultrasound identified a soft tissue foreign body in the subcutaneous tissue overlying the left lower quadrant of the abdomen. Further evaluation using plain radiography and computed tomography ultimately diagnosed the foreign body as a metal rod, which had migrated from his sternum. The sternal rod was removed at the bedside, and he was discharged the next day without any complications.

Conclusion: Sternal hardware migration is uncommon, but in patients who have undergone surgery involving sternal fixation, this diagnosis should be considered as a cause for unusual symptoms.