Early surgical repair of isolated traumatic sternal fractures using a cervical plate system.
BACKGROUND
We reviewed our experience of the surgical management and follow-up of patients admitted with an isolated traumatic sternal fracture (TSF) to a Thoracic Surgical Unit through the Emergency Department.


METHODS
During a 5-year period, six patients were surgically treated for an isolated TSF. Presence of physical deformity or acute and persistent pain were considered indications for surgical repair. Surgical repair was performed within 1 week from the trauma by means of a titanium cervical plate system currently in use in spine surgery.


RESULTS
There were no postoperative complications. Mean hospital stay was 3 days. All patients showed regular sternal healing at 6 to 8 weeks. In one patient the plate was removed after 3 years because of persistent chest discomfort.


CONCLUSIONS
Early surgical repair of isolated TSF is advocated in cases of physical deformity or acute and persistent pain. The titanium cervical plate system provides effective repair of the fracture with satisfactory long-term results.
Ciriaco
Paola
P
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Scientific Institute and University Vita-Salute H. San Raffaele, Milan, Italy. ciriaco.paola@hsr.it
Casiraghi
Monica
M
Negri
Giampiero
G
Gioia
Giuseppe
G
Carretta
Angelo
A
Melloni
Giulio
G
Zannini
Piero
P
D000328:Adult; D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000295:instrumentation*; D017102:Fracture Healing; D050723:Fractures, Bone / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D007902:Length of Stay / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D008297:Male; D011859:Radiography; D013249:Sternum / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000293:injuries* / Q000601:surgery*; D016896:Treatment Outcome