Complex open sternal fracture with impingement of the pericardium. (July 2021)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Tiwari, Sandeep; Singh, Anita; Bhandari, Paras; Ghatak, Debmoy; Agarwal, Harshit
• Is Part Of: Tropical doctor. Volume 51:Number 3(2021)
• Page Start: 425
• Page End: 427
• Publication Date: 2021-07
• Subjects: Sternum -- blunt cardiac injury -- pneumothorax; Tropical medicine -- Periodicals; Medical care -- Developing countries -- Periodicals; Developing Countries -- Periodicals; Tropical Medicine -- Periodicals; Tropische geneeskunde; 616.9883
• DOI: 10.1177/0049475520981264
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0049-4755

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.