Complex open sternal fracture with impingement of the pericardium

Sandeep Tiwari1, Anita Singh2, Paras Bhandari3

  • 1Professor, Department of Trauma Surgery, KGMU, Lucknow, India.

Tropical Doctor
|December 28, 2020
PubMed

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.

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