Is sternum fracture a concerning clinical situation?

2021 The Annals of Clinical and Analytical Medicine  
Aim: In this study, it was aimed to investigate the demographic characteristics of the patients diagnosed with sternum fracture (SF) admitted to our hospital in the last year, the treatments applied, and the etiological factors causing SF. Material and Methods: Fifty-six patients diagnosed with SF as a result of blunt trauma were retrospectively analyzed. Only cases with blunt trauma and SF were included in the study. Results: A total of 56 cases, 34 males (60.8%) and 22 females (39.2%), who
more » ... thoracic trauma and SF together were included in our study. In 33 (58.8%) cases, a motor vehicle accident was the mechanism with the highest rate of trauma. Rib fracture was most commonly accompanied by SFs in 28 cases (50%). The most common extra-thoracic additional organ injury was extremity fracture at various levels, which was confirmed in 13 cases (23.2%). Twelve (21%) patients with isolated SF were kept under observation in the emergency department and provided with pain relief. These patients were recommended to come for control 5 days later and were discharged. The number of cases we applied medical treatment was 50 (89.2%). There were no deaths directly related to SF. Discussion: Sternum fracture due to trauma indicates that the trauma is severe. Cases must be evaluated in terms of additional organ injury. Mortality occurs especially in patients with multiple trauma and for reasons other than thoracic. Patients with isolated non-complicated, non-displaced SF do not need hospitalization if there are no additional organ injuries or uncontrolled pain.
doi:10.4328/acam.20461 fatcat:umj74e4nsbbq3mzgd2rpdllqfu