Sternal-manubrial separation as a complication of marrow aspiration in a patient with protein-calorie malnutrition and osteoporosis.

A simple needle aspiration of marrow from the sternum was performed in a middle-aged woman with severe protein-calorie malnutrition and osteoporosis. Though carefully performed, a separation of the sternal-manubrial junction occurred with pain but no other serious sequelae. The subject of complications from marrow aspiration for diagnostic and therapeutic purposes is discussed.