Traumatic sternal fractures: a narrative review.
Jesse E Doyle1, Ilitch Diaz-Gutierrez2
1Ross University School of Medicine, Miramar, FL, USA.
Mediastinum (Hong Kong, China)
|February 4, 2022
Summary
Traumatic sternal fractures are usually benign and managed conservatively. Surgical stabilization is an option for unstable or displaced fractures, offering safe and effective outcomes.
Area of Science:
- Trauma Surgery
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Chest Wall Injuries
Background:
- Traumatic sternal fractures are increasingly diagnosed due to advanced imaging like CT scans.
- Current literature lacks guidelines for operative fixation of sternal fractures.
- Patient heterogeneity and limited evidence contribute to the absence of standardized treatment protocols.
Purpose of the Study:
- To define the clinical significance of traumatic sternal fractures.
- To outline the evaluation and workup of these injuries.
- To review current treatment strategies and their outcomes.
Main Methods:
- A non-systematic literature review was conducted.
- English literature from January 2000 to December 2020 was included.
- Meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case series, and case reports were analyzed.
Main Results:
- Isolated sternal fractures are typically benign and managed outpatient.
- Polytrauma patients require screening for associated injuries.
- Surgical stabilization is feasible and safe for specific indications.
Conclusions:
- Conservative management is appropriate for most isolated sternal fractures.
- Associated injuries must be screened for in polytrauma patients.
- Surgical intervention is indicated for unstable, displaced, malunioned, or non-unioned sternal fractures.
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