Alexander A Fokin1,2, Joanna Wycech Knight3,4, Ayesha T Abid3,5, Kai Yoshinaga3,5, Amaris L Alayon3,5, Robert Grady3,5, Russell D Weisz3, Ivan Puente3,5,4,6. 1. Division of Trauma and Critical Care Services, Delray Medical Center, 5352 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach, FL, 33484, USA. Alexander.Fokin@tenethealth.com. 2. Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA. Alexander.Fokin@tenethealth.com. 3. Division of Trauma and Critical Care Services, Delray Medical Center, 5352 Linton Boulevard, Delray Beach, FL, 33484, USA. 4. Division of Trauma and Critical Care Services, Broward Health Medical Center, 1600 S Andrews Ave, Fort Lauderdale, FL, 33316, USA. 5. Charles E. Schmidt College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Florida Atlantic University, 777 Glades Rd, Boca Raton, FL, 33431, USA. 6. Herbert Wertheim College of Medicine, Department of Surgery, Florida International University, 11200 SW 8th St, Miami, FL, 33199, USA.
Abstract
PURPOSE: Sternal fractures (SF) are commonly associated with other injuries and their incidence is on the rise. The aim was to evaluate injury characteristics and outcomes in patients with all types of SF after blunt trauma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 380 SF patients from two Level 1 trauma centers was performed. Patients were compared in various combinations: geriatric versus non-geriatric, isolated sternal fractures (ISF) versus combined sternal fractures (CSF), sternal body versus manubrium, displaced versus non-displaced, and with retrosternal hematoma versus without. Analyzed variables included: age, gender, race, comorbidities, mechanism of injury (MOI), injury severity score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), type and location of SF, concomitant fractures of ribs, vertebrae, clavicles and scapulae, co-injuries, rates of surgical stabilization, mechanical ventilation requirements, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU length of stay (ICULOS), hospital LOS (HLOS), complications, and mortality. RESULTS: ISF constituted 17.9% of all patients with no mortality. CSF patients constituted 82.1%, had more ICU admissions, longer ICULOS/HLOS and 9.3% mortality (all p < 0.001). Geriatric SF had more concomitant rib fractures and 12.9% mortality. Concomitant fractures of ribs were present in 56.7% and had higher ICU admissions, ICULOS and complications compared to SF patients with concomitant vertebrae fractures diagnosed in 38.2%. CONCLUSION: SF are present in 2.1% of admissions to trauma centers. Geriatric patients account for half of SF patients and have higher mortality. Concomitant fractures of ribs are present in half and vertebrae fractures in one-third of the SF patients. CSF portend higher mortality and pulmonary co-injuries. The high incidence of concomitant rib and vertebra fractures requires additional diagnostic and treatment considerations.
PURPOSE: Sternal fractures (SF) are commonly associated with other injuries and their incidence is on the rise. The aim was to evaluate injury characteristics and outcomes in patients with all types of SF after blunt trauma. METHODS: Retrospective analysis of 380 SF patients from two Level 1 trauma centers was performed. Patients were compared in various combinations: geriatric versus non-geriatric, isolated sternal fractures (ISF) versus combined sternal fractures (CSF), sternal body versus manubrium, displaced versus non-displaced, and with retrosternal hematoma versus without. Analyzed variables included: age, gender, race, comorbidities, mechanism of injury (MOI), injury severity score (ISS), Glasgow Coma Score (GCS), type and location of SF, concomitant fractures of ribs, vertebrae, clavicles and scapulae, co-injuries, rates of surgical stabilization, mechanical ventilation requirements, intensive care unit (ICU) admission, ICU length of stay (ICULOS), hospital LOS (HLOS), complications, and mortality. RESULTS: ISF constituted 17.9% of all patients with no mortality. CSF patients constituted 82.1%, had more ICU admissions, longer ICULOS/HLOS and 9.3% mortality (all p < 0.001). Geriatric SF had more concomitant rib fractures and 12.9% mortality. Concomitant fractures of ribs were present in 56.7% and had higher ICU admissions, ICULOS and complications compared to SF patients with concomitant vertebrae fractures diagnosed in 38.2%. CONCLUSION: SF are present in 2.1% of admissions to trauma centers. Geriatric patients account for half of SF patients and have higher mortality. Concomitant fractures of ribs are present in half and vertebrae fractures in one-third of the SF patients. CSF portend higher mortality and pulmonary co-injuries. The high incidence of concomitant rib and vertebra fractures requires additional diagnostic and treatment considerations.