Sternal and vertebral fractures, a well-known association, usually overlooked: review of six clinical cases
Date
2010
Type:
Article
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Abstract
the association of sternal and vertebral fractures has previously been described in the literature. Theselesions are frequently overlooked at the initial evaluation. The purpose of this study was to review and discuss the diagnostic methods used to diagnose these lesions and to highlight the importance of early recognition of these fractures. Methods: we performed a retrospective análisis of six patients who suffered sternal and concomitant vertebral fractures. Clinical charts and imaging studies were reviewed. Results: all patients were diagnosed with sternal fractures at the initial evaluation, but only two were diagnosed with vertebral fractures. Conclusion: failure to recognize these fractures at initial evaluation may be associated with thefact that the upper horacic region is difficult to explore. In the presence of sternal fractures, a vertebral fracture must be ruled out even though major injuries are not present. A computer tomography (CT) scan and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) should be obtained despite negative X-rays if clinical suspicion is present.
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Citation
COLUNA/COLUMNA. 2010;9(3):334-337
Keywords
Spinal fractures, Sternum/injuries