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Complex open sternal fracture with impingement of the pericardium
Sandeep Tiwari1, Anita Singh2, Paras Bhandari3
1Professor, Department of Trauma Surgery, KGMU, Lucknow, India.
Insights
Sternal fractures, occurring in 3-8% of trauma cases, often signal severe injuries. Management is typically non-operative, but complex trauma cases require careful consideration.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Emergency Medicine
Background:
- Sternal fractures occur in 3-8% of trauma patients.
- They frequently accompany other significant injuries, including blunt cardiac trauma and fractures of the ribs, scapula, or vertebrae.
- Sternal fractures serve as indicators of substantial energy transfer during trauma.
Observation:
- Isolated sternal fractures are usually managed non-operatively.
- Surgery is reserved for displaced fractures or those causing respiratory compromise.
- Concurrent severe trauma complicates management decisions.
Findings:
- The case highlights sternal fracture associated with blunt cardiac injury.
- Complications included open pneumothorax, rib fractures, anterior flail chest, and empyema.
- This complex presentation underscores the challenges in managing polytrauma.
Implications:
- Sternal fractures necessitate thorough evaluation for associated injuries.
- Multifaceted trauma involving the sternum requires tailored, often aggressive, management strategies.
- Understanding these associations is crucial for optimizing patient outcomes in severe trauma.
Abstract:
The incidence of sternal fracture ranges from 3 to 8%. In more than half, they are associated with other organ trauma such as blunt cardiac injuries, rib, scapular or vertebral fractures. Hence, the presence of sternal fracture is considered a marker for significant transmission of energy. The management of isolated sternal fractures is usually non-operative with surgery reserved for displaced fractures or in cases of respiratory insufficiency. However, management may become challenging when they are associated with other significant trauma. We discuss a case of sternal fracture complicated by the presence of blunt cardiac injury, open pneumothorax, rib fractures, anterior flail chest and empyema.
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