Source
Department of Thoracic Surgery, Wessex Cardiac and Thoracic Unit, Southampton General Hospital, Tremona Road, Southampton SO16 6YD, UK. theo@velissaris.com
Abstract
INTRODUCTION:
We reviewed our experience of the in-hospital management and early follow-up of patients admitted with a traumatic sternal fracture to a Thoracic Surgical Unit.
PATIENTS AND METHODS:
Over a 7-year period, 73 consecutive patients (51 males) with a median age of 51 (range 17-84) years were admitted through the Emergency Department with an acute traumatic sternal fracture. The patients were hospitalised for cardiorespiratory monitoring, pain control and physiotherapy. Outpatient follow-up occurred 6 weeks after discharge.
RESULTS:
The median hospital stay was 2 days (range 1-15 days). Sixty-four patients (88%) did not require parenteral analgesia or any other procedure that would necessitate admission to hospital. Three patients (4%) with severely displaced fractures and complex co-morbidities required surgical correction. Follow-up revealed no significant complications.
CONCLUSIONS:
Admission to hospital is not necessary for every patient sustaining a sternal fracture and should be reserved for those with high-impact trauma, severely displaced fractures, significant associated injuries, complex analgesic requirements, important co-morbidities or inadequate domestic support.