Surgery, gynecology & obstetrics
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A retrospective review of patients admitted with sternal fractures without massive trauma to the chest or hypotension was undertaken. Chest pain was present in 59 of 60 patients while external signs of bruising were noted in one-third. The standard anteroposterior (AP) roentgenogram of the chest was diagnostic in all patients. ⋯ Sternal fractures result from high energy trauma and should be suspected in patients with chest pain after blunt thoracic trauma. The lateral roentgenogram of the chest is the most useful diagnostic test. There is a high incidence of associated cardiac and noncardiac injuries in these patients mandating close observation with ECG monitoring in the intensive care unit.