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Author(s): Nasser, Keaton; Matsuura, Jaclyn; Diep, Jimmy | Abstract: Introduction: Blunt chest trauma and motor vehicle collisions are common presentations to the emergency department (ED). Chest pain in a trauma patient can usually and reasonably be attributed to chest wall injury, leading to a potential delay in diagnosis and treatment.Case Report: In this case report, we present a 52-year-old male who was brought to the ED with complaints of chest pain and pressure after a motor vehicle collision. He was subsequently found to have both a displaced sternal fracture and simultaneous acute myocardial infarction with 100% occlusion of the mid left anterior descending artery without dissection requiring stent placement.Conclusion: Chest pain after blunt cardiac trauma is a common complaint. While rare, acute myocardial infarction must be considered. Most injuries result as direct trauma to the artery causing either dissection or acute thrombosis resulting in a myocardial infarction as opposed to acute plaque rupture with thrombosis, as seen in this case.

Background Isolated sternal fracture, a benign injury, has been increasing in the pan-scan era, although one-third of patients with sternal fracture still has trouble with concomitant injury. The differentiation of these two entities is important to optimize patient management. Purpose To evaluate correlation between retrosternal hematoma and concomitant injury in patients with sternal fracture and to identify predicting factors for concomitant injury in sternal fracture. Material and Methods A total of 139 patients (84 men; mean age = 54.9 ± 15.3 years) with traumatic sternal fracture were enrolled in this study. We reviewed medical charts and multiplanar computed tomography (CT) images to evaluate cause, location, and degree of sternal fracture, retrosternal hematoma, and concomitant injury. Univariate and multivariate analysis were used to identify variables that were associated with concomitant injury. Results Concomitant injury on chest CT was observed in 85 patients with sternal fracture. Of the patients, 98 (70.5%) were accompanied by retrosternal hematoma. Multivariate analysis revealed that retrosternal hematoma (odds ratio [OR] = 5.350; P Conclusion Manubrium fracture and retrosternal hematoma portend a high risk of concomitant injury and indicate the need for further clinical and radiologic work-up.

Background Traumatic sternal fractures are rare injuries with little evidence supporting the best treatment strategy. This study assessed treatment outcomes from our level-I trauma centre. Methods A retrospective cohort study was conducted, including all sternal fracture patients admitted to our level-I trauma centre between 2007 and 2019. Patients with sternal fractures due to cardiopulmonary resuscitation, patients

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.

A 63-year-old patient was admitted with a sternal fracture and mass. On evaluation, most of the body of the sternum had been destroyed by a tumor. Radical resection of the sternum was performed and part of the major pectoral muscles adherent to the sternal tumor was also resected. The chest wall defect was reconstructed with mesh, bone cement, and a titanium rib plate system. Reconstruction with this method seemed to be an appropriate procedure to prevent instability of the chest wall.

We report a rare case about a 60 years old Moroccan woman with a past medical history of gastrointestinal tuberculosis, admitted to the emergency department with fever, coughing, weight loss, Spontaneous sternum fracture, back and chest pain. A physical examination revealed diffuse bone pain on palpation. Laboratory testing revealed anemia at 9 g/dl, high serum viscosity (80 mm/h). C reactive protein at 100 mg/l. Serum protein electrophoresis showed monoclonal spike (30 g/dL) in the gamma zone. Serum immunofixation study revealed a IgG lambda monoclonal paraprotein. Serum free light chains (kappa/lambda ratio: 0,04). Total protein level (88g/L). 24-h proteinuria was negative, complete metabolic panel, blood calcium and serum creatinine were normal. Bone marrow aspiration was performed and showed mature and dystrophic plasma cells at 38 %. CT scan of the chest revealed left broncho pulmonary focus associated to a sternal fracture (A), mediastinal tissue mass of superior and posterior mediastinum of 30mm diameter (B), scanner-guided biopsy confirmed plasmocytoma, bronchoscopy with biopsy which objectified an inflammatory lesion. Hematological assessment concluded to mediastinal plasmocytoma with multiple myeloma Ig G Lambda. The Revised International Staging System is at 2. The patient received empirical antimicrobial therapy with good response, then she was treated with VTD protocol (Bortezomib, thalidomide and dexamethasone), achieving complete remission followed by autologous stem cell transplantation (C,D). Consolidation therapy and maintenance are planned to maintain remission.

Objectives: Clinical characteristics, follow-up and treatment outcomes of patients with isolated traumatic sternal fracture were presented and our clinical experiences on these patients were shared. Methods: Between January 2010 and December 2017, a total of 87 patients with isolated traumatic sternal fracture who were admitted to the emergency department and were hospitalized, were included in this observational cohort study. Medical data of these patients were collected from hospital records and then were retrospectively reviewed. Results: There were 65 (74.7%) male and 22 (25.3%) female patients. Mean age was 42.4 ± 13.7 years (range: 17-83). The most common etiological reason was traffic accident in vehicle. Sternal fractures were localized at corpus in 64 (73.6%) patients and at manubrium in 23 (26.4%) patients. The most common concomitant pathology was rib fracture with a ratio of 23% (20 patients). Mean length of hospital stay of patients was 3.1 ± 0.8 days. During the hospitalization period, no evidence of cardiac injury was observed in any patient. Conclusions: In view of rising healthcare costs and increasing demand for acute hospital and intensive care beds, it is crucial to determine hospitalization criteria for cases with traumatic sternal fracture. We believe that the hospitalization is not necessary in isolated traumatic sternal fractures where there is no other major injury.

Chronic nonunion of sternal fractures is typically treated by osteosynthesis plating with or without autologous bone grafting. Described here is a case of the successful use of teriparatide, a bone-forming drug currently used for the treatment of severe osteoporosis, in the healing of a sternal nonunion fracture occurring after blunt thoracic trauma.

Chest wall injuries are common in blunt trauma and are associated with significant morbidity and mortality, that increase with age and number of rib fractures. Blunt chest traumas may injure every bone of the thorax. Management of chest wall injuries often requires a multidisciplinary approach, focusing on three basic principles: pain management, management of pulmonary dysfunction, and in some cases surgical fixation.

Providing analgesia for patients with anterior rib and sternum fracture has been addressed from various types of modalities. Regional anesthesia via epidurals or peripheral nerve blocks, opiates, and other forms of multimodal pain regimens have been used. However, in the polytraumatic injury patient, positioning for an epidural may be problematic, and a predominantly opiate-based treatment plan may compromise respiratory status. In this case series, we describe the pectointercostal fascial block as another tool to treat patients with anterior rib and sternal fracture with polytraumatic injuries. All 3 of the block's successes were evident by improvement in the respiratory status of each patient.

Sternal fractures were first described in published literature in the 19th century as a complication of traumatic injury. Though sternal fracture and other sternal injuries have been described in trauma literature, there remains a paucity of literature with regards to sternal injury in sport. Sternal injury may include disruption at the body, manubrium and xiphoid process, or at associated sternoclavicular, manubriosternal, and xiphisternal joints. In the athlete it is imperative to evaluate sternal injury with consideration of potentially devastating cardiothoracic complications. Return-to-play protocols should be individualized, taking into account subjective history, objective physical examination and diagnostics, current clinical guidelines, and individual sport-specific considerations. The literature regarding sternal injury is reviewed, with emphasis on sport-specific pathology, management, and return to play.

The procedure introduced by Donald Nuss in 1997 for the treatment of pectus excavatum at the American Pediatric Surgical Association meeting has now been adopted by pediatric, thoracic, and plastic surgeons around the world. Rather than resection of the costal cartilages and sternal fracture, which had been standard practice for decades, he advocated using a metal bar to push the sternum into position. Reasoning that the chest wall of children is very flexible, he felt that resection was unnecessary. Since that time, medical centers from around the world have reported their experience with the procedure. There is now robust evidence of its safety and efficacy. As the Nuss procedure has become a standard treatment, indications for operation have expanded, and numerous modifications have been introduced. Some of these were intended to improve upon the original procedure, and others to adapt it to new circumstances, such as use in adults whose chest is not as flexible. This report reviews those modifications.

Background Scapular fractures have been traditionally taught to be associated with significant injuries and major morbidity. As we demonstrated with sternal fracture, pulmonary contusion, and rib fracture, increased chest computed tomography (CT) utilization and head-to-pelvis CT (pan-scan) protocols in blunt trauma evaluation, however, may diagnose minor, clinically irrelevant scapular fractures, possibly rendering previous teachings obsolete. Objectives The objectives were to determine the 1) percentages of scapular fractures seen on chest CT only (SOCTO) versus seen on both chest x-ray (CXR) and CT and of isolated scapular fracture (scapular fracture without other thoracic injuries); 2) frequencies of associated thoracic injury with scapular fracture; and 3) proportion of patients admitted, mortality, hospital length of stay, and injury severity scores (ISS), comparing four patient groups: scapular fracture, nonscapular fracture, scapular fracture SOCTO, and isolated scapular fracture. Methods We conducted a preplanned analysis of patients prospectively enrolled in the NEXUS Chest CT study at nine Level I trauma centers with the following inclusion criteria: age > 14 years, blunt trauma within 6 hours of ED presentation, and receiving chest imaging during ED trauma evaluation. Results Of 11,477 subjects, 4,501 (39.2%) patients who had both CXR and chest CT and 2.7% of these had scapular fractures; 60.3% of these were SOCTO and 23 (19.0%) were isolated scapular fracture. The most commonly associated thoracic injuries were rib fracture, pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, and thoracic spine fracture and all injuries were more common in scapular fracture patients than nonscapular fracture patients. Although scapular fracture patients had higher admission rates (86.8% vs. 47.4%; difference in proportions = 39.4% [95% confidence interval {CI} = 32.8% to 44.1%]), ISS (21 vs. 5), and length of stay (9.2 days vs. 5.6 days; mean difference = 3.4 days [95% CI = 2.1 to 4.7 days]) than patients without scapular fracture, their hospital mortality was not significantly different (5.6% vs. 3.0%; difference in proportions = 2.6% [95% CI = -8.2% to 0.3%]; unadjusted odds ratio = 1.9 [95% CI = 0.9 to 4.2]). Patients with scapular fracture SOCTO and isolated scapular fracture had higher admission rates and median ISS than nonscapular fracture patients, but their mortality was similar. Conclusions Under current blunt trauma imaging protocols that commonly include chest CT, most scapular fractures are SOCTO and most are associated with other thoracic injuries. Although patients with scapular fracture SOCTO and isolated scapular fracture have higher admission rates and ISS than nonscapular fracture patients, their hospital mortality is similar.

Isolated sternal tuberculosis is a rarely described entity even in countries where tuberculosis is endemic. We report the case of 25 old years patient who presented with a chest wall mass. Imaging concluded to a (ring-enhancing hypodense soft tissue mass surrounding the sternum with sternal fracture). Malignancy was eliminated by a core needle biopsy. We noted clinical and radiological recovery with medical tuberculosis treatment. Neoplastic origin was removed by biopsy and anatomopathological study of the lesion.

Background Sternum fractures are mostly located on the sternal corpus, seldom on the manubrium. Fractures of the sternal manubrium are, however, more frequently associated with severe concomitant injuries of thoracic organs, and therefore deserve special attention. In addition, in its function as a capstone in between the anterior chest wall and the shoulder girdle, it is exposed to a multiplicity of forces. Therefore the questions arise what types of fractures are observed in today's clinical practice, how to classify them and which treatment options are available. This study reports on different types of fractures which involve the manubrium sterni. Methods Between January 2012 and October 2014, data was collected from all severely injured patients (ISS ≥16), which received a CT scan of the thorax in our Level-I-Trauma Center and retrospectively analyzed concerning sternal fractures. Fracture type, collateral injuries, age, and information about the circumstances of the accident were noted. Results Of 890 evaluable patients, 154 (17.3%) had a fracture of the sternum and 23 (2.6%) of the manubrium. Fractures of the manubrium appeared in following types: A-type-transverse fracture (n=11) in 1st intercostal space by direct blunt trauma or flexion of the torso with sagittal instability; B-type-oblique fracture (n=9) by seat belt injury with rotatory instability; C-type-combined, more fragmentary fracture (n=3) by direct blunt trauma with simultaneous flexion of the torso and multi directional instability. Fractures only little dislocation were treated conservatively, and unstable fractures were surgically stabilized (n=10). Conclusions In summary, three main types of fractures could be found. A-type fractures were stabilized with a longitudinal plate osteosynthesis and B-type fractures with transverse positioned plates. To treat complex C-type fractures, plates with a T- or H-form could be a good solution. Level of evidence: Level III retrospective prognostic cohort study.

Purpose The surgical management of the patients with traumatic sternal fractures remains controversial. The aim of this study was to evaluate the effectiveness of an early surgical reconstruction of a displaced sternal fracture utilizing longitudinal rigid polymer fixation in the settings of an acute chest trauma. Methods To perform the sternal fixation, we utilized a longitudinal rigid plating system. The plate is made of polyether ether ketone (PEEK), an organic thermoplastic polymer. Results We used the entire length of the plate on each side of the fracture, secured in multiple places with 6-8 screws. Once the plates have been fully secured we tighten all the screws with a screwdriver. We demonstrated that the method minimizes pain and prevents the development of pulmonary complications. Conclusion This technique provides cosmetically acceptable results, minimizing risk of sternal nonunion, and decreases length of hospitalization.

Highlights • Mediastinal hematoma caused by sternal fracture leading to cardiac tamponade it’s a rare presentation. • CT Scan it’s an effective method to diagnose mediastinal hematoma. • High clinical suspicion of extra pericardial tamponade is required when sternal fracture associated with mediastinal hematoma. • The best management for mediastinal hematoma its urgent evocation of the hematoma to decrease the pressure on the heart., Introduction Cardiac tamponade typically results from fluid or gas collection in the pericardial space leading to impairment in the cardiac function. Presentation of case A 34 years old male patient presented to the ER after a fall from height. X-rays were done which showed no hemothorax or pneumothorax and multiple stable pelvic fractures. Computed tomography (CT) scan for trauma was done after stabilizing the patient and showed sternal fracture with a huge retrosternal hematoma. The patient was intubated immediately, and an Echocardiogram was ordered along with preparation to go to the operation room urgently due to high suspicion of a rare case of cardiac tamponade. but the patient had cardiac arrest and couldn't be revived despite the CPR effort. Discussion This is a very unusual presentation of cardiac tamponade, mediastinal hematoma leading to extra pericardial tamponade. CT scan is an effective method to diagnose extra pericardial tamponade. In addition, to the high clinical suspicion is required. The sole treatment of mediastinal hematoma is an urgent evacuation. Conclusion A careful assessment with high clinical suspicion along with CT Scan is the best way to diagnose extra pericardial tamponade cause by sternal fracture.

Objective Traumatic sternal fractures are injuries most commonly resulting from a direct blow to the anterior chest wall or forced deceleration. The purpose of this review is to define the clinical significance of these injuries, outline their initial evaluation and work up, and review current treatment strategies available and their outcomes. Background The diagnosis of traumatic sternal fractures has seen a recent rise, largely due to the increased access to computed tomography (CT) scan. Currently, there are no published guidelines to make recommendations on operative fixation for sternal fractures. This is probably related to the lack of evidence in published literature along with patient heterogeneity. Methods We conducted a non-systematic review of the English literature published from January 2000 to December 2020, including meta-analyses, systematic reviews, case series and case reports regarding the diagnosis, treatment, and complications of traumatic sternal fractures. We critically analyzed the available evidence to provide an overview of the treatment and clinical outcomes of traumatic sternal fractures. Conclusion Isolated sternal fractures are commonly benign injuries that can be managed conservatively in an outpatient setting. Polytrauma patients with sternal fractures should be carefully screened for possible associated injuries. Surgical stabilization of sternal fractures is feasible and safe, and should be considered in unstable fractures, severe displacement, symptomatic malunion or non-union.

Background The fracture of ribs is a common injury presenting to trauma centers and hospitals. Along the years, a lot of methods have been introduced to stabilize the rib and sternal fractures, as most of studies reported that the treatment of these cases is warranted. In spite of the large number of methods for fixation introduced; no definitive method has been presented yet. Methods From July 2015 to November 2016, the data of 30 patients with rib or sternal fractures or both who fulfilled the inclusion criteria were collected prospectively. Those patients were assigned into two groups; (group A) the fractures were fixed by plates and (group B) were fixed by stainless steel wires. The choice of method of fixation depended on surgeon's experience. The variables evaluated included stability of chest wall, intensive care unit stay, hospital stay and ventilator days. Results The chest wall stability in (group A) was achieved in 100% of the patients, while in (group B) it was achieved in 60% of patients. Intensive care unit stay for group A was 9 ± 4.37 days and for group B 13.8 ± 7.61 (p = 0.031). Hospital stay for group A was 11.6 ± 5.27 days and for group B 17.1 ± 6.77 (p = 0.021). Ventilator days for (group A) were 6.38 ± 3.83 days, while in (group B) 10.3 ± 8.82days, however this difference was statistically insignificant (p = 0.129). Conclusions Plating of rib and sternal fractures had better outcome than wiring, regarding better chest wall stability and restoration of chest contour; also it had shorter intensive care unit, hospital and ventilator days.

Background Ventilator-associated pneumonia (VAP) is a common disease that may contribute to morbidity and mortality among trauma patients in the intensive care unit (ICU). This study evaluated the associations between trauma factors and the development of VAP in ventilated patients with multiple rib fractures. Methods We retrospectively and consecutively evaluated 101 patients with multiple rib fractures who were ventilated and managed at our hospital between January 2010 and December 2015, analyzing the associations between VAP and trauma factors in these patients. Trauma factors included sternal fracture, flail chest, diaphragm injury, traumatic aortic dissection, combined cardiac injury, pulmonary contusion, pneumothorax, hemothorax, hemopneumothorax, abbreviated injury scale score, thoracic trauma severity score, and injury severity score. Results Forty-six patients (45.5%) had at least 1 episode of VAP, 10 (21.7%) of whom died in the ICU. Of the 55 (54.5%) patients who did not have pneumonia, 9 (16.4%) died in the ICU. Using logistic regression analysis, we found that VAP was associated with severe lung contusion (odds ratio, 3.07; 95% confidence interval, 1.12 to 8.39; p=0.029). Conclusion Severe pulmonary contusion (pulmonary lung contusion score 6-12) is an independent risk factor for VAP in ventilated trauma patients with multiple rib fractures.

Sternal fractures are traumatic chest injuries, which relate primarily to road accidents. They were once considered to be high morbidity injuries, which has now been reversed, especially for isolated sternal fractures. This is a retrospective study that focuses on the clinical presentation of patients with isolated sternal fracture and their management. During the period of time 01/2009–01/2016, sixty two patients were examined in the emergency department with isolated sternal fracture. All patients had chest X-ray and sternum X-ray, blood tests and ECG and, according to the results and the symptoms, patients were admitted or discharged after observation in the short stay ward unit. Other parameters that have been studied were the cause of sternal fracture, age and sex. The average age of patients was 51.3 years, with age ranging from 17 to 79 years. There were 27 men and 35 women. The main cause of sternal fracture was traffic accidents (72.6%), followed by falls from height (21%) and assault (6.4%). Out of 62 patients, only four had to be admitted because of pathological ECG findings and increased CK-MB, while 58 were kept under observation for six hours and then discharged with oral analgesia, instructions and follow-up in the outpatient clinic. Isolated sternal fractures are considered benign injuries with a good prognosis, which require no special treatment except sufficient pain control, particularly in cases where there is no sign of displacement. Admission is required in patients with altered blood tests and abnormal ECG for monitoring for at least 48 hours.

Background and aims A case report of the use bilateral subpectoral nerve catheters in a 57-year-old patient with severe acute pain secondary to a traumatic sternal fracture. the pain was opioid-resistant and unchanged by systemic analgesia. It was preventing the patient from mobilizing, deep breathing and coughing. Methods Consent was obtained. He was positioned supine. Aseptic technique was adhered to. a SonoSite® ultrasound high frequency linear probe was placed 2cm lateral to the sternum in the parasagittal plane and a Pajunk E-Cath nerve catheter needle was inserted in plane from caudal to cephalad in the fascial plane between pectoralis major and external intercostal muscle. 10 ml of 0.25% levobupivacaine was injected bilaterally, and the catheters were subsequently topped up every 12 hours. Results Within 5 minutes of a single dose of local anaesthetic the patient was pain free, able to deep breath, cough and mobilise. He was discharged home after 3 days of treatment. Conclusions In patients with isolated sternal fractures, severe pain is the most frequently reported complaint and this can lead to further complications, such as hospital-acquired pneumonia. Furthermore, high dose opioid therapy can lead to multiple adverse events and is often ineffective in chest wall fractures. This case highlights that subpectoral nerve catheters used in the management of sternal fractures can reduce pain. Further research if required to determine its role in reducing opioid-associated complications, incidence of pneumonia and inpatient length of stay.

Background The risk of cardiac injury in blunt thoracic trauma is quite rare, occurring in only 0.1% of patients. The least common cardiac injury is coronary artery dissection. Most cardiac injuries result from high-energy mechanisms such as motor vehicle collisions. Even low-mechanism injuries that have been reported involved rapid deceleration. Case Report We present a case of traumatic coronary artery dissection that resulted from a low-energy blunt thoracic injury with no rapid deceleration. This patient had no other associated thoracic injuries, such as rib fractures or sternal fracture. Following presentation, our patient twice deteriorated into ventricular fibrillation and was successfully resuscitated each time. The coronary lesion was successfully stented and the patient was eventually discharged home. Why Should an Emergency Physician be Aware of This? This case underscores the importance of maintaining a high level of suspicion for coronary artery dissection even in low-energy mechanisms. An electrocardiogram should be obtained early, even in low-energy mechanisms. While patients with traumatic cardiac injuries will commonly present with other injuries, such as rib fractures, the absence of these injuries does not rule out cardiac injury.

Sternal fracture is a common complication of chest trauma but has a low incidence. Various treatments have been developed to reconstruct sternal fractures. Among these approaches, analgesia, corset fixation, and open reduction with plate internal fixation have been suggested. The use of newly developed minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis is a feasible method. In this study, we report a case involving a 54-year-old man with a sternal fracture accompanied by bilateral pleural effusion and a small amount of right-sided pneumothorax. The patient was treated with minimally invasive plate osteosynthesis. The operation was successful and the postoperative recovery was good. No pneumothorax or complications such as chest pain, paresthesia, or wound infection were observed at the 1-year follow-up visit. Additionally, the bilateral pleural effusion had been completely absorbed. The incision in the lower chest was aesthetic and minimally traumatic. This case describes a novel method for internal fixation of sternal fractures.

The treatment of thoracic spine (TS) fractures with additional sternal fractures compared to TS fractures without sternal fractures is discussed controversionally, because in some studies it was stated that sternal fractures decrease the thoracic stability. We hypothesized that both types of fractures can be treated the same way by posterior stabilization alone. A total number of 69 patients with thoracic fractures, with or without additional sternal fractures, were examined, regarding the angle of kyphosis after fracture, postoperatively and after 6 and 12 months. We also recorded the outcome using the Odom’s score and the time until patients returned to work and the activity level. It was found that the angle of kyphosis was nearly physiological after stabilization in both groups and a loss of reduction after 1 year was also comparable, either in the patients suffering from the additional sternal fracture or not. In addition, the Odom’s score and the time until return to work and the activity level were comparable in both groups. We did not find any arguments to preserve additional anterior stabilization or reasons for different treatment strategies either additional sternal fractures occur in thoracic spine fractures or not.

Purpose: We aimed to assess the pattern and impact of sternal injury with rib fracture in a Level 1 trauma center. Patients and Methods: We conducted a retrospective review of trauma registry data to identify patients who presented with sternal fracture between 2010 and 2017. Data were analyzed and compared in patients with and without rib fracture. Results: We identified 212 patients with traumatic sternal injury, of them 119 (56%) had associated rib fractures. In comparison to those who had no rib fracture,patients with rib fractures were older (40.1 ± 13.6 vs. 37.8 ± 14.5), were frequently involved in traffic accidents (75% vs. 71%), had higher chest abbreviated injury scale (AIS 2.8 ± 0.6 vs. 2.2 ± 0.5) and Injury Severity Score (ISS 17.5 ± 8.6 vs. 13.3 ± 9.6), were more likely to be intubated (33% vs. 19%), required chest tube insertion (13.4% vs. 4.3%), and received blood transfusion (29% vs. 17%). Rates of spine fracture, head injury, and solid organ injury were comparable in the two groups. Manubrium, clavicular and scapular fractures, lung contusion, hemothorax, and pneumothorax were significantly more evident in those who had rib fractures. Hospital length of stay was prolonged in patients with rib fractures (P = 0.008). The overall mortality was higher but not statistically significant in patients with rib fractures (5.0% vs. 3.2%). Conclusions: Sternal fractures are rare, and detection of associated injuries requires a high index of suspicion. Combined sternal and rib fractures are more evident in relatively older patients after chest trauma. This combination has certain clinical implications that necessitate further prospective studies.

Highlights • Surgical stabilization of flail chest lead to fast weaning from mechanical ventilation. • Plates can be used for stabilization of sterno-costal dehiscence. • Cartilage reconstruction of a CT scan can reveal the true severity of the trauma., Introduction Flail chest is diagnosed clinically by the presence of paradox movement of a segment of the thoracic wall during spontaneous breathing. Radiographic finding confirming a clinical flail chest are fractures of three or more consecutive ribs or costal cartilages in two or more places. Surgical stabilization is associated with a reduced length of hospital stay, time with mechanical ventilation and risk of respiratory complications. Presentation of case A trauma patient had a Computed Tomography (CT) scan showing multiple costa fractures, sternal fracture, manubrium fracture, sternal displacement and dehiscence of the sternal-costal attachment. The severity of the trauma was visualized after performing a cartilage reconstruction of the trauma CT scan. The patient underwent surgery, using fixation plates to stabilize the thoracic cage, and was then weaned quickly from mechanical ventilation. Discussion This case indicates, that if a patient has a severe flail chest recognized clinically, but not radiologically, a reconstruction of cartilage can reveal the true severity of the trauma. Indeed, the patient in this case experienced a positive outcome from surgery. However, such a procedure demands correct timing and experience in surgical stabilization of the thoracic wall. Furthermore, the injury required accurate planning with the involved personal before surgery. Conclusion Surgical stabilization of advanced flail chest with concomitant sternal fracture, seems to be a safe procedure, that might reduce the need of mechanical ventilation and the length of stay at the Intensive Care Unit (ICU). Furthermore, cartilage reconstruction of the trauma CT scan can potentially identify a severe flail chest, that might be missed on regular 3D bone reconstruction.

Sternal fractures are rare injuries and mostly treated non-operatively. In selected cases, internal fixation becomes necessary. No standard operative approach has been determined yet among experts. The aim of this study is to describe our treatment algorithm and results after operative stabilisation of sternal fractures with locking compression plates (LCP), mainly focusing on the functional outcome. A retrospective cohort study was conducted. We included all patients after operative stabilisation of a sternal fracture between 2008 and 2016. Endpoints were the functional outcome using the Activities of Daily Living (ADL) score, pain analysed by the numeric rating scale (NRS), breathing ability, complications and implant removal. Eighteen out of 153 (12%) patients with a sternal fracture underwent operation. Three patients were lost to follow-up. Eleven out of 15 (73%) patients were treated with double straight LCP 3.5 mm implants and 4 (27%) patients with pre-countered LCP 3.5 mm implants. Mean follow-up was 57 months. The median ADL score was 1 (1–4), the median NRS was 0 (0–9), and respiratory complaints scored a median of 1 (1–4). No non-union, hardware failure or implant-related complication occurred. Post-operative complications were pneumonia (20%) and respiratory insufficiency (20%). Implants were removed in 4/15 (27%) patients; three times due to implant-related irritation, once on patient’s request. Operative stabilisation of sternal fractures with double LCP 3.5 mm provides excellent long-term functional results and seems to be an appropriate option for internal fixation. The rate of post-operative complications is low; however, 27% had a second operation for implant removal.

To evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of sternal percutaneous fixation by internal cemented screw (FICS) using fluoroscopy and/or CT needle guidance. This retrospective single-center study analyzed 9 consecutive cancer patients managed with percutaneous FICS for sternal fracture fixation or osteolytic metastasis consolidation, from May 2014 to February 2019. Eastern Cooperative Oncology Group performance status, Numeric Pain Rating Scale (NPRS) and opioid use were studied preoperatively and postoperatively. Sternal images at last follow-up appointment were also collected. Among the 9 patients, 7 had a sternal fracture with 5 being displaced. The technical feasibility was 100%. Both NPRS score significantly decreased from 5.6/10 ± 2.8 to 1.1/10 ± 1.6, and analgesic consumption was significantly improved (p = 0.03) after intervention. No post-procedural complications requiring surgical correction or screw displacement occurred after a mean imaging follow-up that exceeded 1 year (mean follow-up duration, 401.8 days ± 305.8). Image-guided sternal percutaneous FICS is feasible and safe. It reduces pain and analgesic consumption related to pathologic fracture of the sternum.

A 35-year-old woman was involved in a motor vehicle collision and suffered a manubriosternal joint dislocation with posterior subluxation of the manubrium. She underwent open reduction and internal fixation with sternal plate reconstruction. This report highlights the mechanism and management of these rare traumatic chest wall injuries. Keywords: Sternal fracture, Manubriosternal, Chest wall trauma, Sternomanubrial dislocation

Surgical stabilization of flail chest decreases mortality, complications and costs. A 48-year-old male sustained a cardiac arrest followed by successful cardio-pulmonary resuscitation. An anterior flail chest due to bilateral rib fractures and a sternal fracture led to respiratory failure. A surgical stabilization of the flail chest was indicated, and a minimally invasive approach was preferred. A titanium plate for the sternum and a Nuss bar for rib fractures were successfully placed, followed by full and prompt recovery. It is an effective and safe procedure since minimizes the surgical trauma with benefits of chest wall stabilization.

We sought to investigate the diagnosis, management, and outcomes of pediatric sternal fractures.We used ICD codes to search our trauma registry and Hound Dog software to search the hospital data warehouse for all cases of radiologically confirmed sternal fracture in patients21 years from January 1, 1997 to July 1, 2017. We extracted demographics, mechanism of injury, diagnostic modality, associated injuries, and clinical outcomes.We identified 65 children with sternal fractures. 46/65 (71%) were male, with median age 11 years. 34/65 (52%) presented to our emergency department (ED) and the remainder to outpatient clinics. 41/65 (63%) were diagnosed by chest X-ray, 11/65 (17%) by chest CT, 7/65 (11%) by sternal X-ray, and 5/65 (8%) by MRI. Mechanism of injury varied by age. The majority, 50/65 (77%), were isolated injuries and there were no cardiac injuries, aortic injuries or deaths. 18/33 (45%) of those who presented initially to the ED were admitted, and of these 7/18 (39%) had isolated sternal fractures.In this series, most sternal fractures were isolated with low morbidity. Sternal fracture alone should not prompt aggressive workup for intrathoracic injuries and stable patients with isolated sternal fractures can be safely followed without admission.IV.

We present a case of comminuted sternal fracture with posterior displacement, which was successfully repaired by ‘sandwich’ fixation using 2 bioresorbable plates that were placed anterior to and posterior to the sternum. All procedures including retro-sternal dissection for placement of the posterior plate were performed using video-assisted thoracoscopic surgery. The minimally invasive thoracoscopic technique provided effective repair and rigid fixation with immediate relief from intractable chest pain that had persisted before surgery.

Clinical efficacy and complications of nickel-titanium memory alloy in the treatment of multiple rib fractures combined with sternal fractures was investigated. A retrospective analysis of 123 patients with multiple rib fractures combined with sternal fractures admitted to First People's Hospital of Fuzhou from January 2013 to December 2015 was performed, including study group (treated with internal fixation by the nickel-titanium memory alloy, n=68) and control group (treated with internal fixation by partial pressure bandage, n=55). Μean arterial pressure (MAP), heart rate (HR), and visual analogue pain score (VAS) of the two groups before and after treatment were compared and analyzed. No significant difference in MAP, HR and VAS scores between groups was detected before treatment (P>0.05). After treatment, MAP score of study group was significantly higher, and HR and VAS scores were significantly lower (P

Purpose The purpose of this study was to describe the epidemiology and evaluate the clinical significance of traumatic sternal fractures. Methods Patients age ≤ 18 years with sternal fractures in the National Trauma Database research datasets from 2007-2014 were identified. Patient demographics, injuries, procedures, and outcomes were analyzed using descriptive statistics and logistic regression. Results Three thousand one hundred sixty patients with sternal fracture were identified. Ninety percent of injuries occurred in patients between 12 and 18 years old. Median injury severity score (ISS) was 17 [9,29]. Exploratory thoracotomy was performed in 1%. Thirty-nine percent were admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU). On multivariate regression, predictors of ICU stay > 1 day were increasing ISS, lack of the use of protective devices, decreasing Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), tachycardia, and pulmonary contusion. Median hospital length of stay was 4 [2, 9] days. In-hospital mortality was 8%. Predictors of mortality were lower GCS, increasing ISS, decreasing oxygen saturation, hypotension, and cardiac arrest. Use of protective devices and seat belts did not affect mortality. Conclusion Sternal fractures in patients increase in incidence with age, and poor outcomes are impacted by associated injuries and complications. The presence of a sternal fracture should trigger a careful diagnostic evaluation. Level of Evidence III Study Type Treatment Study