ABSTRACT

Sternum fractures represent 8% of the patients seen for thoracic trauma in Emergency Rooms. Morbility and mortality are directly related to the severity of associated organic injuries and not specifically to the fracture. A case is presented, where a patient was diagnosed with a complete, oblique sternal fracture with displacement of the lower segment after a motor-vehicle accident. The patient had no other evident tissue injuries. An open reduction of the fracture was done, with internal fixation by means of a titanium plate. This case highlights the importance of a multidisciplinary evaluation before deciding surgical management for these patients and the technical aspects of this approach.

KEYWORDS

Sternal traumatic fracture, associated organic lesions, reduction and external fixation.

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