Aneurysmal bone cyst of sternum

Aneurysmal bone cyst (ABC) is a benign but locally destructive lesion of the bone characterized by the presence of spongy or multi-loculated cystic tissue filled with blood. It accounts for 2.5% of all bone tumors. An ABC may involve almost any bone, but the most frequent sites are long tubular bones and vertebrae. The sternum is a rare location for an ABC. Here we present a case with sternal ABC, discuss the clinical manifestations and treatment, and review the literature. Radical wide resection of primary sternal tumors and reconstruction with appropriately rigid prosthetic material are necessary to avoid chest wall instability and minimize local recurrence.