Nonunion after sternal fractures: outcomes after surgical management

Abstract

Background: Sternal fractures are common findings in trauma patient with chest wall being implicated in 15% of trauma and up to 55% of polytrauma patients. Historically, non-displaced fractures without secondary injuries have been treated conservatively, which may increase the risk of sternal nonunion development. This causes pain and can significantly reduce quality of life. The long-term outcome of patients who received surgical treatment of sternal nonunion has not been reported up until now. The aim of this study was to analyze the outcomes of a cohort of patients after surgical treatment of sternal nonunion.