Childhood Leukemia Presenting as Sternal Osteomyelitis

Abstract not available. Introduction provided instead.

Musculoskeletal manifestations are the presenting complaint in up to 20% of patients with pediatric leukemia.¹ Therefore, orthopedic surgeons often become involved before a formal diagnosis of leukemia has been made. Because of similarities in presentation, many of these patients are initially diagnosed with osteomyelitis, transient synovitis, or arthritis, resulting in a delay in appropriate treatment.

We present a case of a sternal lesion initially diagnosed and treated as osteomyelitis. We hope this case report raises awareness of this important and potentially lethal entity.