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Bifid sternum: neonatal surgical treatment
M Dòmini1, M Cupaioli, F Rossi
1Department of Pediatric Surgery, Policlinico Sant' Orsola, University of Bologna, Italy. m.domini@mail2.dex-net.com
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|February 2, 2000
Abstract:
The sternal cleft is a rare congenital anomaly resulting from a fusion failure of the sternum, generally observed at birth and asymptomatic. Surgery is indicated to protect the heart and major vessels from trauma, to improve respiratory dynamics, and for aesthetic reasons. We observed 2 neonates for a superior and medial thoracic mass. The defect involved the upper two thirds of the sternum. The surgical operation for both patients consisted in the primary closure of the defect.