A Clinical Analysis of 101 blunt sternal fractures

Kim, Woo Jong; Lee, Jun Bok; Lee, Kihl Rho

Abstract

Fracture of the sternum has been considered as a serious iniury and also associated with major complications such as myocardial, major thoracic vascular, and spinal injury. Retrospective datas from blunt trauma victims admitted to our hospital were analyzed to determine significance of sternal fractures and possible associated injures. 101 sternal fractures by blunt trauma were admitted from january, 1986 to december, 1995. Frequency was about 3.51% of the nonpenetrating chest trauma. The ratio of male to female was 1.82 versus 1. Most common cause in the sternal fracture was high decelerating injury(73 cases). Most common fracture site was sternal body(75 cases). Average days of admission were 26 days. Abnormal ECG findings were sinus bradycardia(7cases), complete or incomplete RBBB(6 cases), sinus tachycardia(4 cases), specific S-T change(3 cases), 1st degree A-V block(2 cases), LVH(1 case), PVC(1 case), and Low voltage(1 case). CPK-MB was increased about 32.1% of sternal fractures. Except of expired 2 patients, patients were treated with conservative treatment(94 cases) and open reductions and steel wire fixations(5 cases). Complication after operation was wound infection(1 case). Causes of death were 1 hypovolemia and 1 acute respiratory distress syndrome. In conclusion, although sternal fracture is less frequent, and mostly treats with conservative treatment, it shoud be carefully observed because of critical associated injuries.