DOI: 10.36347/sjmcr.2018.v06i09.007

Pages: 635-638

Sternal fractures are rare and mainly caused by a direct impact on the anterior aspect of the thorax. In most cases, sternal fractures are treated conservatively. However, if the patient has symptoms such as refractory wall pain or bone cracking due to sternal instability, surgical correction is indicated. No consensus exists as to the most appropriate surgical method. We report a case of sternal fracture treated surgically by steel wires at the Hubert Koutoukou Maga Cotonou University Hospital Center (Benin). This is a 28-year-old patient admitted for persistent chest pain triggered by cough and dyspnea following a traffic accident. The examination showed a paradoxical breathing, a pain caused by palpation of the thorax. Radiological investigations revealed a stepped fracture of the sternal manubrium with 3cm overlap of the distal segment and sternal debridement with staged transverse fracture of the sternum. He benefited from osteosynthesis with steel wire. The evolution was favorable with hemodynamic and respiratory stability with a good clinical and radiographic reduction. Conclusion: Surgery with blood reduction and internal fixation with steel wire in sternal fractures is a safe and effective therapeutic strategy.