Retrosternal hematoma in sternal fracture for prediction of concomitant injury on chest CT

A radiologist's guide to median sternotomy

Median sternotomy is widely recognised as the primary incision technique in cardiac surgery. This surgical procedure involves dividing the sternum to gain access to the heart and lungs, making it invaluable in correcting congenital heart defects. Furthermore, it is frequently employed in adult patients, particularly during coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) procedures. In this imaging review, we present a comprehensive overview of the pre-procedural assessment and various post-sternotomy complications encountered within our clinical experience at a tertiary cardiothoracic centre. The focus of this review is to outline the imaging features associated with mediastinal adhesions and establish the minimal safe distance between the sternum and common mediastinal structures when considering re-sternotomy. By providing visual examples, we aim to facilitate a better understanding of these key concepts. Moreover, we delve into a detailed discussion of a spectrum of postoperative complications that may arise following median sternotomy including those related to metalwork (sternal wire fracture), bone (sternal dehiscence, non-union and osteomyelitis), and soft tissue (abscess, haematoma).

Management of Blunt Sternal Fractures in a Community-Based Hospital

Background

Sternal fractures are not commonly observed in patients with blunt trauma. The routine use of computed tomography (CT) in the evaluation of chest trauma helps identify these fractures. We studied the incidence, injury mechanism, management, and outcome of sternal fractures in patients with blunt trauma treated at our community-based hospital.

Methods

We retrospectively reviewed the chest CT scans of all patients with blunt trauma who were presented to our community-based hospital from October 2010 to March 2019. The study variables included age at the time of injury, sex, mechanism of injury, type, and site of fracture, associated injuries, Glasgow Coma Scale, Injury Severity Score, need for intensive care unit admission, hospital stay, and long-term outcome.

Results

In total, 5632 patients with blunt trauma presented to our hospital during the study period, and chest CT scan was performed for 2578 patients. Sternal fractures were diagnosed in 63 patients. The primary mechanism of injury was a motor vehicle collision. The most common site of fracture was the body of the sternum (47 patients; 74.6%). Twenty (31.7%) patients had an isolated sternal fracture with no other injuries. Seven (11.1%) patients were discharged directly from the emergency department. Two patients died (overall mortality rate, 3.2%) and two experienced long-term disability.

Conclusions

The incidence of sternal fractures in our patient population was similar to that reported by tertiary hospitals. Patients with a sternal fracture and normal cardiac enzyme levels and electrocardiogram may be safely discharged from the emergency department, provided there are no other major injuries.

Sternal fractures in blunt trauma patients

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.