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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
Insights
Sternal clefts, a rare birth defect, occur when the sternum fails to fuse. Surgical repair is recommended for protection and improved function.
Area of Science:
- Congenital anomalies
- Pediatric surgery
- Thoracic wall defects
Background:
- Sternal cleft is a rare congenital anomaly.
- It results from a failure of sternal fusion.
- Typically observed at birth and asymptomatic.
Observation:
- Two neonates presented with a superior and medial thoracic mass.
- The defect involved the upper two-thirds of the sternum.
- This condition is a sternal cleft.
Findings:
- Surgical intervention is indicated for sternal clefts.
- Reasons for surgery include protecting the heart and major vessels, improving respiratory dynamics, and aesthetic concerns.
- The surgical approach for both observed neonates was primary closure of the defect.
Implications:
- Early surgical closure of sternal clefts can prevent complications.
- Surgical repair ensures protection of underlying structures.
- Restoration of thoracic integrity is crucial for respiratory function.
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.