[2 cases of congenital sternal cleft]

Area of Science:

• Pediatric Surgery
• Congenital Malformations
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Upper sternal cleft is a rare congenital malformation requiring surgical correction.
• Optimal timing and surgical techniques for this condition are debated.
• Associated anomalies can influence management and outcomes.

Observation:

• Two cases of upper sternal cleft are presented.
• Case 1: surgical correction at 29 months.
• Case 2: surgical correction at 6 weeks.
• Both cases presented with associated facial angiomatosis.

Findings:

• Surgical correction is technically easier and yields better results when performed in early infancy.
• The authors propose a revised surgical technique for upper sternal cleft repair.
• Early intervention is crucial for optimal cosmetic and functional outcomes.

Implications:

• This study advocates for early surgical intervention in infants with upper sternal clefts.
• The findings suggest that timely surgery can improve surgical outcomes and reduce complexity.
• Further research into surgical techniques for rare thoracic malformations is warranted.