[Fractures of the sternum]

Sternal fractures almost solely occurs as a result of traffic accidents and are considered a marker of more serious injury, especially damage to the myocardium. Patients with an isolated sternal fracture are therefore often admitted to hospital for cardiac monitoring. In drivers and passengers restrained by safety belts sternal fracture is a benign injury: the complication rate is low and healing is usually uneventful. Routine admission and monitoring of patients with isolated sternal fracture is not indicated when the electrocardiogram and chest X-ray, apart from the fracture, are normal. A subgroup of patients at increased risk of cardiac arrhythmias is defined. These patients should be admitted for observation.