title: Xiphoidectomy: A Surgical Intervention for an Underdocumented Disorder.
abstract: Two patients who presented with nonspecific thoracic and upper abdominal symptoms and tenderness of the xiphoid process are discussed. Both patients had undergone extensive examinations, but no source for their symptoms could be found. Plain chest radiographs revealed an anterior displacement of the xiphoid process in both patients. Physical examination confirmed this to be the primary source of discomfort. Anterior displacement of the xiphoid process may be the result of significant weight gain. Repeated trauma of the afflicted area, unaccustomed heavy lifting, exercise, and perichondritis are, amongst other causes, believed to contribute to the development of xiphodynia. Both patients were treated by performing a xiphoidectomy, resulting in disappearance of the symptoms.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery-Traumatology, Reinier de Graaf Groep, Postbus 5011, 2600GA Delft, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Dirk Pieter
authors.identifier: 0000-0002-1559-2657
authors.initials: DP
authors.lastname: Hogerzeil
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery-Traumatology, Reinier de Graaf Groep, Postbus 5011, 2600GA Delft, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Klaas Albert
authors.identifier: 0000-0001-5019-9239
authors.initials: KA
authors.lastname: Hartholt
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery-Traumatology, Reinier de Graaf Groep, Postbus 5011, 2600GA Delft, Netherlands.
authors.forename: Mark Rem
authors.initials: MR
authors.lastname: de Vries