K Moënne Bühlmann1, D Araneda Castiglioni2, X Ortega Flores3, C Pérez Sánchez3, J Escaffi Johnson3, M Pérez Matta4, J Godoy Lenz5. 1. Radiólogo Pediatra, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile. Electronic address: kmoenne@gmail.com. 2. Fellow de Investigación, Unidad de Radiología Pediátrica, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile. 3. Radiólogo Pediatra, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile. 4. Fellow de Radiología Pediátrica, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile. 5. Cirujano infantil, Clínica Las Condes, Santiago de Chile, Chile.
Abstract
Sternal fractures are considered uncommon in pediatric patients. Classically, they have been described as fractures secondary to high-energy trauma that have a risk of associated lesions. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and imaging features of sternal fractures in patients less than 18 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 79 pediatric patients diagnosed with sternal fractures after trauma. RESULTS: We found that 92.4% of the fractures were caused by low-energy trauma and that associated lesions were present in only 3 (4%) patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that sternal fractures in children are often due to lesser trauma and that associated lesions are rare.
Sternal fractures are considered uncommon in pediatric patients. Classically, they have been described as fractures secondary to high-energy trauma that have a risk of associated lesions. OBJECTIVE: To describe the clinical and imaging features of sternal fractures in patients less than 18 years of age. MATERIAL AND METHODS: We retrospectively reviewed 79 pediatric patients diagnosed with sternal fractures after trauma. RESULTS: We found that 92.4% of the fractures were caused by low-energy trauma and that associated lesions were present in only 3 (4%) patients. CONCLUSION: Our results suggest that sternal fractures in children are often due to lesser trauma and that associated lesions are rare.