Clinical and radiological study of sternal fractures in pediatrics
K Moënne Bühlmann1, D Araneda Castiglioni2, X Ortega Flores1
1Radiólogo Pediatra, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
Insights
Pediatric sternal fractures are uncommon and typically result from low-energy trauma, not high-impact injuries. Associated lesions are rare in children with these types of sternal fractures.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Traumatology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Radiology
Background:
- Sternal fractures are historically considered rare in pediatric populations.
- They are often associated with high-energy trauma and potential associated injuries.
Purpose of the Study:
- To characterize the clinical and imaging findings of sternal fractures in patients under 18.
- To evaluate the typical mechanisms and associated injuries in pediatric sternal fractures.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 79 pediatric patients.
- Diagnosis of sternal fractures confirmed after a traumatic event.
Main Results:
- 92.4% of sternal fractures resulted from low-energy trauma.
- Only 3 (4%) of patients presented with associated lesions.
Conclusions:
- Pediatric sternal fractures are frequently caused by low-energy trauma.
- Associated injuries are uncommon in pediatric sternal fractures.
Abstract:
Sternal fractures are considered uncommon in pediatric patients. Classically, they have been described as fractures secondary to high-energy trauma that have a risk of associated lesions.
Objective:
To describe the clinical and imaging features of sternal fractures in patients less than 18 years of age.
Material And Methods:
We retrospectively reviewed 79 pediatric patients diagnosed with sternal fractures after trauma.
Results:
We found that 92.4% of the fractures were caused by low-energy trauma and that associated lesions were present in only 3 (4%) patients.
Conclusion:
Our results suggest that sternal fractures in children are often due to lesser trauma and that associated lesions are rare.
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