Sternal fracture: Difference between revisions

m (Rossdonaldson1 moved page Sternum fracture to Sternal fracture)
 
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==Background==
==Background==
*Fracture is more likely in restrained passengers than unrestrained passengers
[[File:Sobo 1909 31.png|thumb|Anatomy of the sternum.]]
*Fracture is more likely in restrained passengers than unrestrained passengers (high-energy trauma)
*Isolated sternal fracture is relatively benign
*Isolated sternal fracture is relatively benign
**Low mortality (<1%)
**Low mortality (<1%)
**Low intrathoracic morbidity
**Low intrathoracic morbidity
*May be associated with:
*Sternal body fracture most common
**[[Rib Fracture]], [[Pulmonary Contusion]]
 
**Myocardial contusion (1.5%)
===Associated Injuries===
*No association between sternal fracture and aortic rupture
*[[Rib fracture]]
*[[Pulmonary contusion]]
*[[Myocardial contusion]] (1.5%)
*<u>No</u> association between sternal fracture and aortic rupture


==Clinical Features==
==Clinical Features==
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*Point tenderness over sternum
*Point tenderness over sternum
*Ecchymosis, soft tissue swelling
*Ecchymosis, soft tissue swelling
==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Thoracic trauma DDX}}


==Evaluation==
==Evaluation==
*Imaging
[[File:DisplacedSternalFracture.jpg|thumb|A displaced sternal fracture as seen on lateral X-ray.]]
**Most are visible on lateral CXR or on ultrasound
[[File:Sternal fracture CT.jpg|thumb|Comminuted sternal fracture on CT]]
[[File:PMC3259405 13244 2011 72 Fig25 HTML.png|thumb|Axial CT showing sternal fracture with retrosternal haematoma (black arrow). Also aortic injury (white arrows).]]
===Workup===
*[[CXR]] or CT
 
===Diagnosis===
*Most are visible on lateral [[CXR]]
*CT is test of choice if high suspicion


==Management==
==Management==
*[[ECG]]
*[[ECG]]
*Consider troponin
*Consider [[troponin]]
**Surgeons tend to want trop
**ED providers tend to defer trop if ECG nl
 
 
==Differential Diagnosis==
{{Thoracic trauma DDX}}


==Disposition==
==Disposition==
*Isolated, non-displaced fracture:
*Isolated, non-displaced fracture:
**If pain control achieved and ECG normal ok to discharge home
**If pain control achieved and [[ECG]] normal ok to discharge home
*Displaced fracture or concern for severe pain or respiratory compromise:
*Displaced fracture or concern for severe pain or respiratory compromise:
**Refer for operative fixation
**Refer for operative fixation

Latest revision as of 13:12, 10 April 2021

Background

Anatomy of the sternum.
  • Fracture is more likely in restrained passengers than unrestrained passengers (high-energy trauma)
  • Isolated sternal fracture is relatively benign
    • Low mortality (<1%)
    • Low intrathoracic morbidity
  • Sternal body fracture most common

Associated Injuries

Clinical Features

  • Anterior chest pain
  • Point tenderness over sternum
  • Ecchymosis, soft tissue swelling

Differential Diagnosis

Thoracic Trauma

Evaluation

A displaced sternal fracture as seen on lateral X-ray.
Comminuted sternal fracture on CT
Axial CT showing sternal fracture with retrosternal haematoma (black arrow). Also aortic injury (white arrows).

Workup

Diagnosis

  • Most are visible on lateral CXR
  • CT is test of choice if high suspicion

Management

Disposition

  • Isolated, non-displaced fracture:
    • If pain control achieved and ECG normal ok to discharge home
  • Displaced fracture or concern for severe pain or respiratory compromise:
    • Refer for operative fixation

See Also

References