Sternal fracture: Difference between revisions
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*Displaced fx or concern for severe pain or respiratory compromise: | *Displaced fx or concern for severe pain or respiratory compromise: | ||
**Refer for operative fixation | **Refer for operative fixation | ||
==See Also== | |||
*[[Rib Fracture]] | |||
*[[Pulmonary Contusion]] | |||
*[[Traumatic Pneumothorax]] | |||
==Source== | ==Source== | ||
Revision as of 21:31, 16 July 2011
Background
- Fracture is MORE likely in restrained passengers than unrestrained passengers
- Isolated sternal fx is relatively benign
- Low mortality (<1%)
- Low intrathoracic morbidity
- May be associated with:
- Rib Fracture, Pulmonary Contusion (~10%)
- Myocardial contusion (1.5-6%)
- No association between sternal fracture and aortic rupture
Diagnosis
- Anterior chest pain
- Point tenderness over sternum
- Ecchymosis, soft tissue swelling
Work-Up
- Most are visible on LATERAL CXR
- If fx is seen conservative approach is to obtain chest CT to r/o other pathology
- May be helpful in determining conservative vs surgical fixation
- If fx is seen conservative approach is to obtain chest CT to r/o other pathology
Treatment
- Pain control
Disposition
- Isolated, non-displaced fx:
- If can achieve pain control ok to d/c home
- Displaced fx or concern for severe pain or respiratory compromise:
- Refer for operative fixation
See Also
Source
Rosen's