title: Evaluation and operative technique to repair isolated sternal fractures.
abstract: A series of 12 patients with traumatic sternal fractures without internal organ injury are reported to have had their fractures repaired with a standard operative technique that has proved to be effective up to 17 years of follow-up. Although sternal fractures are often seen in emergency departments of trauma centers, rarely are they recommended for correction. Often patients experience physical deformity, chronic pain, and abnormal physical habits. A standard operative technique is proposed with highly satisfactory results. Thoracic surgeons should be familiar with this problem and with available standard methods to correct it.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Minnesota, Minneapolis, MN 55455, USA. molin001@umn.edu
authors.forename: J Ernesto
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Molina
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007738:Kyphosis / Q000209:etiology; D008297:Male; D011187:Posture; D013249:Sternum / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D013997:Time Factors; D016896:Treatment Outcome