A clinical study of sternal fracture treated by open reduction

Abstract

Sternal fracture is rare among traumatic bone fractures. We reviewed 18 cases of sternal fracture treated during the past ten years. The causes of fracture were traffic accidents in 11, falls in 3 and others in 4. Associated injuries in these patients included rib fractures in 6, hemopneumothorax in 5, fracture of the clavicle in one, thoracic vertebral fracture in one and lumbar vertebral and pelvic fracture in one. Twelve patients were treated by conservative management and 6 by surgery. Surgical procedures were performed with I 3 wires, II one wire and band, III two wires and IV two wires and one absorbable sternal pin. Good results were obtained in 4 patients. Displacements were observed again in two patients probably because our surgical managements were not enough and they could not keep natural posture after operation. Surgery should be indicated for the patients with 1) dislocation of the sternum with severe pain or 2) risk of injury to adjacent organs.