Does sternal fracture increase the risk for aortic rupture?
J T Sturm1, M G Luxenberg, B M Moudry
1Department of Emergency Medicine, St. Paul-Ramsey Medical Center, Minnesota.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|November 1, 1989
Summary
Sternal fractures, often from car accidents, were studied in 99 patients. Traumatic aortic rupture occurred in 2% of these patients, a rate not significantly higher than in patients without sternal fractures.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Sternal fractures are a significant indicator of blunt chest trauma.
- The association between sternal fractures and associated injuries, particularly traumatic aortic rupture, requires further investigation.
- Motor vehicle accidents are a leading cause of sternal fractures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine if sternal fractures increase the risk of traumatic aortic rupture.
- To compare the incidence of traumatic aortic rupture in patients with and without sternal fractures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 99 patients with sternal fractures (1968-1987).
- Comparison with 2,106 concurrent patients with chest injuries but no sternal fractures.
- Statistical analysis using Fisher exact test to compare rupture incidence.
Main Results:
- Traumatic aortic rupture occurred in 2% of patients with sternal fractures.
- Traumatic aortic rupture occurred in 3.6% of patients without sternal fractures.
- The difference in incidence was not statistically significant (p = 0.326).
Conclusions:
- Sternal fractures do not appear to be an independent risk factor for traumatic aortic rupture.
- Patients with blunt chest trauma and sternal fractures have a similar risk of aortic injury as those without sternal fractures.
- Further research may explore specific injury mechanisms and patient factors.
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