Sternal fractures: a retrospective analysis of 272 cases.
OBJECTIVE
To determine the incidence, morbidity, and mortality associated with fractures of the sternum.


METHODS
A retrospective review of the medical records of all patients treated in an emergency department with the radiologic diagnosis of sternal fracture during a 6 1/2 year period between January 1, 1985 and June 30, 1991.


METHODS
A level II trauma center in the eastern suburbs of Melbourne, Australia.


METHODS
272 patients were eligible for analysis. Only 6 patients of 251 involved in motor vehicle collisions were documented as not wearing seatbelts.


RESULTS
The incidence of sternal fracture as a result of motor vehicle collisions was 3%. Sternal fracture is more common in female victims and the elderly and is associated with a very low incidence of cardiac arrhythmias requiring treatment. It has a mortality of 0.7%.


CONCLUSIONS
Sternal fracture is a common injury in a population where restraints are frequently used. PATIENTS with an isolated sternal fracture do not require cardiac monitoring and those under 40 years of age may be cared for in a short stay ward.
Brookes
J G
JG
Department of Emergency Medicine, Box Hill Hospital, Victoria, Australia.
Dunn
R J
RJ
Rogers
I R
IR
D000063:Accidents, Traffic / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D005260:Female; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000453:epidemiology* / Q000401:mortality; D006801:Humans; D015994:Incidence; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009017:Morbidity; D009104:Multiple Trauma / Q000453:epidemiology; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013249:Sternum / Q000293:injuries*