The European journal of surgery = Acta chirurgica
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To find out if the presence of a sternal fracture indicates cardiac and aortic injuries and to clarify the difference between a retrosternal haematoma and widened mediastinum. ⋯ Sternal fractures are more common than previously reported. An aggressive approach including early operative reduction is recommended even for a stable fracture to reduce the overhelming pain. Sternal fracture with or without retrosternal heamatoma is not a reliable indicator of cardiac and aortic injuries, while mediastinal widening is still a fairly reliable clue that should indicate further investigation.