[Sternal fracture in growing children : A rare and often overlooked fracture? Documentation of four cases].

BACKGROUND: Sternal fractures in childhood are rare. The aim of the study was to investigate the accident mechanism, the detection of radiological and sonographical criteria and consideration of associated injuries.

METHOD: In the period from January 2010 to December 2012 all inpatients and outpatients with sternal fractures were recorded according to the documentation.

RESULTS: A total of 4 children aged 5-14 years with a sternal fracture were treated in 2 years, 2 children were hospitalized for pain management and 2 remained in outpatient care.

CONCLUSION: Isolated sternal fractures in childhood are often due to typical age-related traumatic incidents. Ultrasonography is a useful diagnostic tool for fracture detection and radiography is the method of choice for visualization of the extent of the dislocation.