Osteomielitis primaria de esternón / Primary sternal osteomyelitis

La osteomielitis primaria de esternón es muy infrecuente en niños, con menos de 100 casos publicados hasta la actualidad. Su presentación clínica es a menudo inespecífica, lo que causa un retraso en el diagnóstico. Se presentan dos nuevos casos de osteomielitis primaria de esternón. Ambos referían un cuadro de fiebre, malestar general, dolor torácico y rechazo del decúbito, con eritema preesternal en uno de los casos. La velocidad de sedimentación globular y la proteína C-reactiva estaban elevadas en ambos casos. El diagnóstico se confirmó mediante estudios de imagen y en un caso se aisló Staphylococcus aureus sensible a meticilina en el hemocultivo. Ambos se recuperaron sin complicaciones con tratamiento antibiótico. Debe tenerse en cuenta la osteomielitis primaria de esternón en el diagnóstico diferencial del dolor torácico, especialmente si se acompaña de fiebre, signos inflamatorios locales, intolerancia al decúbito o elevación de reactantes de fase aguda.

Primary sternal osteomyelitis is very rare in children, with less than 100 cases published to date. Its clinical presentation is often non-specific, which results in a diagnostic delay. Here we describe 2 new cases of primary sternal osteomyelitis. Both referred fever, malaise, chest pain, and refusal to lie down, with pre-sternal erythema in one of the cases. The erythrocyte sedimentation rate and C-reactive protein values were high in both cases. The diagnosis was confirmed by imaging studies; methicillin-sensitive Staphylococcus aureus was isolated in the blood culture of one of them. Both recovered without complications with antibiotic treatment. Primary sternal osteomyelitis should be considered in the differential diagnosis of chest pain, especially if accompanied by fever, local inflammatory signs, intolerance to lying down, or increased acute phase reactants.

Expert consensus on diagnosis and treatment of rib, sternum, and lung trauma (version 2022) / 中国胸心血管外科临床杂志

@#In order to further improve the treatment level of rib, sternum, and lung trauma in China, and to provide patients with a comprehensive, safe, scientific, and standardized treatment model, we convened a meeting of outstanding thoracic surgery experts in the field of trauma in China to demonstrate and solicit opinions widely, and in accordance with the principle of evidence-based medicine, based on the best published Chinese and English evidence, finally formulated this consensus. This consensus aims to solve the possible problems in the treatment of lung, rib, and sternum trauma to the greatest extent, and provide scientific and standard clinical solutions for the treatment of thoracic surgery trauma.

The Results of Rigid Titanium Plate Reinforcement and Only Conventional Wire Methods in Sternal Fixation in Morbidly Obese Patients

ABSTRACT Introduction: In this study, it was aimed to compare the clinical results and complications of rigid titanium plate reinforcement and only conventional wire methods for sternum fixation in morbidly obese patients who underwent sternotomy for open-heart surgery. Methods: The study was planned as a retrospective case-control study. Morbidly obese patients who underwent open-heart surgery with median sternotomy between 2011 and 2021 were analyzed retrospectively. Results: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups in terms of characteristics of the patients (P≥0.05). Sternal dehiscence, sternum revision, wound drainage, and mediastinitis were significantly less common in the titanium plate group (P≤0.05). There was no statistically significant difference between the groups in terms of 30-day mortality (P≥0.05). Conclusion: Rigid titanium plate reinforcement application produced more positive clinical results than only conventional wire application. In addition, it was determined that although the rigid titanium plate application prolonged the operation time, it did not make a significant difference in terms of mortality and morbidity compared to the conventional wire applied group.

The ımportance of ınflammatory parameters ın predıctıng deep sternal wound ınfectıons after open heart surgery

SUMMARY OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to investigate the relationship between the development of deep sternal wound infection after open heart surgery and inflammatory parameters obtained from routine biochemical tests. METHODS: A total of 280 patients who underwent cardiac surgery with median sternotomy between January 2015 and January 2020 were examined retrospectively. Patients who developed deep sternal wound infection were identified as "Group 1," and those who did not develop deep sternal wound infection were identified as "Group 2." RESULTS: There were 70 patients with a mean age of 61.6±9.9 years in Group 1 and 210 patients with a mean age of 62.7±9.8 years in Group 2. As a result of the analysis, it was found that the presence of concomitant chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, concomitant diabetes mellitus, blood and blood product transfusion, postoperative 2nd day C-reactive protein, postoperative 1st day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio, and delta neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio was found as independent predictive factors of postoperative deep sternal wound infection development (p=0.043, p=0.012, p=0.029, p=0.009, p=0.002, and p<0.001; respectively). As a predictor of deep sternal wound infections development, postoperative 1st day neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio cutoff value was 11.2 (area under the curve [AUC] 0.598; p=0.014; 60% sensitivity, and 65.2% specificity), and delta neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio cutoff value was 9.6 (AUC 0.716; p<0.001; 57.1% sensitivity, and 73.8% specificity). CONCLUSIONS: Deep sternal wound infection development can be predicted with inflammatory parameters such as neutrophil-to-lymphocyte ratio and C-reactive protein that are obtained from cheap and easily available routine biochemical tests.

Morbidity and mortality associated with fracture of the sternum due to blunt trauma, by fracture type and location / Morbidade e mortalidade associadas a fraturas de esterno decorrentes de traumas contusos, por tipos de fratura e localização

Abstract Objective: To examine the relationship that the types and locations of fractures of the sternum have with mortality and morbidity. Materials and Methods: We analyzed the records of 115 patients diagnosed with fracture of the sternum, due to blunt trauma, between 2007 and 2018. Records of computed tomography studies were obtained from the radiology archive of a tertiary teaching hospital. The type of fracture was classified as linear, displaced, or comminuted, whereas the fracture location was classified as the manubrium, body, or xiphoid process. Results: A total of 108 patients were included in the study. Of those patients, 92 (85.2%) were male and 16 (14.8%) were female. The etiology was a traffic accident in 72 cases (62.6%) and a fall from height in 36 (31.3%). The mean age was 42.1 ± 17.7 years for males and 53.9 ± 20.0 years for females. The mortality rate was 11.1%. Among the 12 deceased patients, the mean age was 44.4 ± 18.3 years. The fracture was located exclusively in the manubrium in 64 patients (59.3%), exclusively in the body of the sternum in 41 (38.0%), and in both locations in three (2.7%), whereas none were located in the xiphoid process. Morbidity rates were higher in the patients with fractures of the manubrium than in those with fractures of the body of the sternum, as was the incidence of accompanying bone fractures and organ injuries. The fracture was linear in 44 patients (40.7%), displaced in 62 (57.4%), and comminuted in 30 (27.8%). The mortality was significantly higher for comminuted fractures than for the other fracture types (p = 0.045; β = 4.40). Conclusion: Fracture of the manubrium can be indicative of the severity of trauma and has a poor prognosis.

Resumo Objetivo: Examinar a relação entre o tipo e a localização da fratura de esterno com mortalidade e morbidade. Materiais e Métodos: Foram analisados os prontuários de 115 pacientes com diagnóstico de fratura de esterno por trauma contuso entre 2007 e 2018. Os registros de estudos de tomografia computadorizada foram obtidos do arquivo de radiologia de um hospital universitário terciário. O tipo de fratura foi classificado como linear, deslocado ou cominutivo, enquanto o local da fratura foi classificado como no manúbrio, no corpo ou no processo xifoide. Resultados: Cento e oito pacientes foram incluídos no estudo. Desses, 92 (85,2%) eram do sexo masculino e 16 (14,8%) eram do sexo feminino. As causas foram acidente de trânsito em 72 casos (62,6%) e queda de altura em 36 (31,3%). A média de idade foi de 42,1 ± 17,7 anos para os homens e de 53,9 ± 20,0 anos para as mulheres. A taxa de mortalidade foi de 11,1%. Entre os 12 pacientes que faleceram, a média de idade foi de 44,4 ± 18,3 anos. A fratura localizou-se apenas no manúbrio em 64 pacientes (59,3%), somente no corpo do esterno em 41 (38,0%) e em ambas as localizações em três pacientes (2,7%), e nenhuma ocorreu no apêndice xifoide. As taxas de morbidade foram maiores nos pacientes com fraturas no manúbrio do que nos com fraturas no corpo do esterno, assim como a incidência de fraturas ósseas e lesões de órgãos adjacentes. A fratura foi linear em 44 pacientes (40,7%), deslocada em 62 (57,4%) e cominutiva em 30 (27,8%). A mortalidade foi significativamente maior nos casos de fraturas cominutivas do que em outros tipos de fratura (p = 0,045; β = 4,40). Conclusão: A fratura do manúbrio pode ser um indicativo da gravidade do trauma e de mau prognóstico.

Risk Factors for Deep Sternal Wound Infection after Off-Pump Coronary Artery Bypass Grafting: a Case-Control Study

Abstract Introduction: The objective of this study was to identify risk factors for deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after off-pump coronary artery bypass (OPCAB) grafting surgery. Methods: A total of 8,442 patients undergoing OPCAB from April 1, 2009 to December 31, 2018 were retrospectively analyzed. A total of 956 were eventually enrolled on this study based on our exclusion criteria. All subjects were divided into two groups: group 1 (n=63) - DSWI; group 2 (n=893) - without DSWI. Patients were excluded if they had one of the following: acute coronary syndrome, conversion to OPCAB grafting surgery, redo procedure, concomitant cardiac surgery procedures. Results: The prevalence of body mass index (BMI) ≥40 kg/m2 (7.9% vs. 1.9%, respectively; P=0.01), lower extremity atherosclerotic artery disease (23.8% vs. 7.2%, respectively; P=0.001) and use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (19.5% vs. 2.5%, respectively; P=0.008) was significantly higher in patients with DSWI. The incidence of morbidities, including reoperation for bleeding (26.4% vs. 2.1%, respectively; P<0.001), stroke (4.8% vs. 0.8%, respectively; P=0.02), acute renal failure (7.9% vs. 0.8%, respectively; P=0.001), delirium (7.9% vs. 1.7%, respectively; P=0.008) and blood transfusion (30.6% vs. 9.8%, respectively; P<0.001) was significantly higher in patients with DSWI. Conclusions: A BMI of >40 kg/m2, lower extremity artery disease, use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) graft, postoperative stroke, sepsis, reoperation due to postoperative complications and blood product requirement significantly increased the risk of sternal infection after OPCAB.

Comparison of Three Methods for Skeleton Age Estimation / 法医学杂志

OBJECTIVES@#To find the appropriate method for age estimation for different ages and sexes.@*METHODS@#The costal cartilage, sternum and pubic symphysis of 91 unknowns from 2000 to 2020 from the Forensic Department of the Criminal Investigation Team of Shanghai Public Security Bureau were collected. Costal cartilage, sternal and pubic symphysis inferences were used to estimate the age, and the consistency between the estimated results and the actual physiological age of the unknowns was tested. The accuracy of age estimation of different samples was compared, and the relationship between accuracy and age and sex was analyzed.@*RESULTS@#Using the costal cartilage method, the inference errors of males, females and the whole population under 40 years old were (0.608±2.298) years, (0.429±1.867) years and (0.493±2.040) years, while those over 40 years old were (-1.707±3.770) years, (-3.286±4.078) years and (-2.625±4.029) years. The differences between different age groups in these three populations were statistically significant (P<0.05). Using the sternum method, the inference errors of males and females under the age of 40 were (0.921±3.019) years and (0.452±1.451) years, while those over the age of 40 were (-5.903±5.088) years and (-1.429±2.227) years. The differences between different age groups in males and females were statistically significant (P<0.05). Using the pubic symphysis method, the inference errors of males and females under 40 years old were (-0.204±1.876) years and (0.238±2.477) years, while those over 40 years old were (1.500±2.156) years and (-2.643±4.270) years. The differences between different age groups in males and females were statistically significant (P<0.05). Using the sternum method and pubic symphysis method for age estimation of over 40 years old, the difference between different sexes was statistically significant (P<0.05).@*CONCLUSIONS@#All three methods of age estimation are stable and effective and more accurate for people under 40 years old. For age estimation of unknowns over 40 years old, the pubic symphysis method is preferred in males and the sternum method is preferred in females.

Sternum tomographic evaluation in pectus patients: analysis of sagital parameters / Avaliação tomográfica de pacientes com pectus: novos índices e ângulos sagitais

ABSTRACT Objective: To evaluate the sagittal tomographic reformatting of the sternum using unpublished radiographic parameters (indexes and angles), comparing them between the different types of pectus, and controls. Methods: 44 patients with pectus deformities and controls underwent chest CT for analysis. The types of pectus were classified into: inferior pectus carinatum (IPC), superior (SPC) and lateral (LPC), and broad (BPE) and localized pectus excavatum (LPE). The following tomographic parameters were created and measured: (1) spine-manubrium-sternum index (SMS); (2) column-sternum index (CSI); (3) manubrium-sternal angle (MSA); (4) inferior manubrium angle (IMA); and (5) inferior sternum angle (ISA). Statistical analysis was performed between the pectus and control groups, and between the different types of pectus. Results: There was a significant difference between: a) pectus excavatum and pectus carinatum when analyzing the SMS, CSI, MSA and ISA indexes. b) LPE and control group for SMS and ISA. c) LPC and LPE, and LPC and BPE for SMS; d) BPE and LPC for CSI; e) IPC and LPE, and IPC and BPE for ISA; f) SPC and LPE, and SPC and BPE for IMA. Conclusion: The radiographic indexes and angles created provided differentiation parameters between patients with different types of pectus, and between these and controls. Level of Evidence II, Prognostic Studies.

RESUMO Objetivos: Avaliar a reformatação tomográfica sagital do esterno por meio de parâmetros radiográficos inéditos (índices e ângulos), comparando-os entre os diferentes tipos de pectus e controles. Métodos: 44 pacientes com deformidades pectus e controles foram submetidos à TC do tórax para análise. Os tipos de pectus foram classificados em: pectus carinatum inferior (PCI), superior (PCS) e lateral (PCL), e pectus excavatum amplo (PEA) e localizado (PEL). Foram criados e mensurados os seguintes parâmetros tomográficos: (1) índice coluna-manúbrio-esterno (CME); (2) índice coluna-esterno (CE); (3) ângulo manúbrio-esternal (AME); (4) ângulo inferior do manúbrio (AIM); e (5) ângulo inferior do esterno (AIE). Foi realizada análise estatística entre os grupos pectus e controle, e entre os diferentes tipos de pectus. Resultados: Houve diferença significativa entre: a) pectus excavatum e pectus carinatum quando analisados os índices CME, CE, AIM e AIE; b) PEL e grupo controle para CME e AIE; c) PCL e PEL, e PCL e PEA para o CME; d) PEA e PCL para CE; e) PCI e PEL, e PCI e PEA para AIE; f) PCS e PEL, e PCS e PEA para AIM. Conclusões: Os índices e ângulos radiográficos criados forneceram parâmetros de diferenciação entre pacientes com diferentes tipos de pectus, e entre estes e controles. Nível de Evidência II, Estudos Prognósticos.

Application of bone suppression imaging in the diagnosis of occupational pneumoconiosis / 中国职业医学

@#Objective （ ） To explore the application value of bone suppression imaging BSI in the diagnosis of occupational （ pneumoconiosis） Methods - pneumoconiosis hereinafter referred to as " " . A total of 330 chest films of high kV digital （ ） radiograph DR of patients with suspected pneumoconiosis were selected by convenient sampling method. BSI is applied to the ， ， ， ， chest films and the differences of small opacity shape small opacity aggregation the number of large opacity lung areas small （ ）， opacity profusion and diagnostic stage of pneumoconiosis were analyzed by simple DR reading DR group simple BSI reading （ ） （ ） Results BSI group and DR and BSI combined reading combined group . There was no significant difference in the distribution of small shadows and the detection rate of small shadows aggregation and large shadows in pneumoconiosis among （ P ） ， the three film reading methods all >0.05 . For the concentration distribution of each lung area there was statistically （P< ）， significant difference between the DR group and the BSI group 0.05 but there was no statistically significant difference ， （ P ） between the DR group and the combined group and between the BSI group and the combined group all >0.05 . The results of ， consistency analysis showed that the DR group and the BSI group and the DR group and the combined group had high （ ， P< consistency in the judgment of small shadow intensity in the lung region both weighted Kappa coefficient were 0.75 all ） 0.01 . There was a high consistency between BSI group and DR group and combined group and DR group in the diagnosis of （ ， ， P< ） ， pneumoconiosis stage weighted Kappa coefficient were 0.77 0.79 all 0.01 . Compared with the DR group the diagnostic ， rate of pneumoconiosis stage Ⅰwas significantly reduced and the diagnostic rate of pneumoconiosis stage Ⅱ was significantly （ P< ） ， increased in the BSI group and the combined group all 0.01 . However there was no significant difference in the diagnosticrate of pneumoconiosis stage Ⅲ >0.05 . Both the BSI reading and DR and BSI combined reading can improve ， the display of pneumoconiosis lesions to varying degrees and therefore can improve the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis. In ， addition the identification and diagnosis of pneumoconiosis lesions in the BSI reading is comparable to that in the combined ， group which has a good application value in the diagnosis of pneumoconiosis.

Pectus excavatum em uma ninhada de Buldogue Francês: relato de caso / Pectus excavatum in a French Bulldog Litter: case report

RESUMO O pectus excavatum é considerado uma patologia da parede torácica, onde há convexidade no aspecto ventral do esterno, o que gera complicações secundárias, como alongamento ventrodorsal do tórax e aumento da pressão intratorácica, entre outras. No presente caso, o corpo de um cachorro Buldogue Francês nasceu com sinais prévios de decaimento e baixo consumo de leito materno, além de uma avaliação médica forense. De acordo com a avaliação patológica, foi encontrada uma fenda no peito esternal relacionada às esternas caudais próximas à cartilagem xifóide, conteúdo espumoso na cartilagem epiglótica da laringe e sinais graves de enfisema nos lobos caudal, craniano e médio pulmonar. Na avaliação cardiológica, foi observada assimetria morfológica invaginante no septo interventricular na mesma área em que a fenda esternal ocorre, por sua vez, na avaliação radiográfica, evidencia uma depressão dorsal do terço caudal do esterno com alterações consideráveis na silhueta cardíaca. Na Colômbia não há relatos de ninhadas completas que apresentem esta alteração, portanto, pretende-se que este seja o primeiro relatório anatomopatológico e de imagem que descreva a patologia em caninos.

ABSTRACT Pectus excavatum is considered a pathology of the chest wall where there is convexity in the ventral aspect of the sternum, which generates secondary complications, such as ventrodorsal stretching of the chest and increased intrathoracic pressure, among others. In the present case, the body of a French bulldog dog was born with previous signs of decay and low consumption of maternal waste, in addition to a forensic medical evaluation. According to the pathological evaluation, a crack was found in the sternal chest related to the caudal sternum close to the xiphoid cartilage, frothy content in the laryngeal epiglottis cartilage and severe signs of emphysema in the caudal, cranial and middle lung lobes. In the cardiological evaluation, an invaginating morphological asymmetry was observed in the interventricular septum in the same area in which the sternal cleft occurs, in turn, in the radiographic evaluation, it shows a dorsal depression of the caudal third of the sternum with considerable changes in the cardiac silhouette. In Colombia there are no reports of complete litters that present this alteration, so it is intended that this is the first anatomopathological and imaging report that describes the pathology in canines.

Retrosternal Deformations after Coronary Artery Bypass Surgery Using Statistical Shape Analysis

Abstract Introduction: In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anatomical deformations of the major vascular structures in the retrosternal area caused by adhesions following coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG). Methods: This single-center, retrospective study included a total of 40 patients with a previous CABG who were admitted to our emergency unit for any reason and underwent a contrast-enhanced chest computed tomography (patient group) and 40 patients without previous cardiac surgery (control group) between January 2018 and November 2019. The retrosternal area was compared between the groups using the statistical shape analysis method. The distance between the sternum and the ascending aorta and pulmonary artery was measured and anatomical deformations of the retrosternal area were examined. Results: There was a statistically significant difference in the anatomical structures of the retrosternal area between the patient and control groups (P<0.001). The distance from the midsternal line to the highest point of the pulmonary artery was statistically significantly shorter in the patient group, compared to the control group (P=0.013). The distance from the sternum to the ascending aorta was also shorter in the patient group, although it did not reach statistical significance (P>0.05). Conclusions: Our study results showed narrowing of the retrosternal area following CABG and a shorter distance from the sternum to the pulmonary artery than the ascending aorta. Based on these findings, surgeons should be cautious about possible injuries in patients requiring cardiac surgery with repeated median sternotomy.

Treatment and Chest Reconstruction for Mediastinitis Following Sternotomy for Cardiac Surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School

Abstract This study presents the method used for chest reconstruction and treatment of mediastinitis following cardiac surgery at the Heart Institute of the University of São Paulo Medical School. After infection control with antibiotic therapy associated with aggressive surgical debridement and negative pressure wound therapy, chest reconstruction is performed using flaps. The advantages and disadvantages of negative pressure wound therapy are discussed, as well as options for flap-based chest reconstruction according to the characteristics of the patient and sternum. Further studies are needed to provide evidence to support the decisions when facing this great challenge.

Patients Submitted to Myocardial Revascularization with the Use of Bilateral Internal Thoracic Arteries: Diabetics vs. Non-Diabetics

Abstract Introduction: Use of bilateral internal thoracic artery (BITA) as graft in coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) is controversial because it is related to higher in-hospital mortality, incidence of sternal wound-related infection, and an increase in surgical time. The primary objective of this study is to evaluate in-hospital mortality and mortality within 30 days from discharge. The secondary objective is to evaluate the occurrence of deep sternal wound infection in a 90-day follow-up. Methods: This is a retrospective review of the medical records of 152 patients undergoing elective CABG with the use of BITA and cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB). These patients were divided into two groups, diabetics and non-diabetics. Patients with acute myocardial infarction and concomitant valvular disease were not included in the sample. Results: Preoperative characteristics did not show significant differences between the groups, which allowed a comparative analysis. The variables electrocardiography time and aortic clamping time were higher in the diabetic group, with a significant statistical difference (P<0.0001). In-hospital mortality occurred in three patients, and there was no mortality up to 30 days in both groups. There was no significant difference in the primary end point between groups (P=0.56). Deep sternal wound infection was present in only one patient and showed no significant difference in the secondary outcome between groups (P=0.40). Conclusion: We did not observe a higher mortality and occurrence of deep sternal wound infection with the use of BITA in diabetic patients compared to non-diabetics, even with greater CPB and aortic clamping times in diabetics.

Agenesia esternal total: reconstrucción esternal con placas absorbibles y pericardio bovino en un paciente de 4 años / Total sternal cleft: sternal reconstruction with absorbable plaques and bovine pericardium in a 4-year-old patient

La agenesia esternal es una rara malformación del desarrollo embrionario del esternón, que puede estar o no relacionado con otras anomalías congénitas. Se presenta el caso de un paciente de 4 años de edad con agenesia esternal total, que fue llevado a reconstrucción de la pared torácica anterior con material protésico absorbible y pericardio bovino, logrando la adecuada estabilidad de la pared torácica y la corrección de la función de la misma, con una evolución satisfactoria después de dos años de seguimiento

Sternal cleft is a rare malformation of the embryonic development of the sternum, which may or may not be related to other congenital anomalies. We present the case of a 4-year-old patient with total sternal cleft, who underwent reconstruction of the anterior chest wall with absorbable prosthetic material and bovine pericardium, achieving adequate stability and correction of the function of the chest wall, with a satisfactory evolution after two years of follow-up

Primary malignant giant cell tumor of the sternum

Primary malignant giant cell tumor (PMGCT) is a diagnosis based on the presence of a high-grade sarcomatous component along with a typical benign giant cell tumor (GCT). We report the first case of PMGCT of the sternum in a 28-year-old male with painless swelling over the manubrium sterni. The differential diagnoses of PMGCT and giant cell-rich osteosarcoma were considered. Surgical resection was performed, and the reconstruction was done with a neosternum using polymethyl methacrylate and prolene mesh. At 30 months follow-up, the patient is disease-free.

Nationwide stature estimation from length of sternum measurements in Montenegrin adolescents / Estimación de la estatura a nivel nacional a partir de la longitud de las mediciones del esternón en adolescentes montenegrinos

SUMMARY: The purpose of this research is to determine a regression equation for estimation of stature from length of sternum measurements. This research was carried out on 1001 subjects (504 male and 497 female) among the population of Montenegrin adolescents. The stature and length of sternum measurements were taken according to the ISAK protocol, and the data were analyzed statistically. Linear regression analysis determined the prediction of and length of sternum on the criterion variable a body height at the significance level of p <0.05. These relations are presented in the form of scatter diagram. Thereby, we obtained the coefficient of determination, the multiple correlation coefficients, the partial correlation coefficient, the regression, t-test and standardized beta coefficient. The results of this research study confirmed that length of sternum reliably predicts stature in both sexes of Montenegrin adolescents and revealed a very useful finding for physical anthropologists and experts from related fields. It was confirmed that there is a correlation between length of sternum and body height (males: 33.1 %, females: 31.3 %). Therefore, length of sternum has proven to be a reliable predictor on the basis of which the actual body height can be estimated.

RESUMEN: El propósito de este estudio fue determinar una ecuación de regresión para la estimación de la estatura a partir de la longitud del esternón. El análisis se llevó a cabo en 1001 sujetos (504 hombres y 497 mujeres) entre la población de adolescentes montenegrinos. Se tomaron medidas de la estatura y la longitud del esternón de acuerdo con el protocolo ISAK, y los datos se analizaron estadísticamente. El análisis de regresión lineal determinó la predicción y la longitud del esternón en la variable de criterio de la altura del cuerpo con nivel de significancia de p <0,05. Las relaciones se presentan en forma de diagrama de dispersión. De este modo, obtuvimos el coeficiente de determinación, los coeficientes de correlación múltiple, el coeficiente de correlación parcial, la regresión, la prueba t y el coeficiente beta estandarizado. Los resultados de este estudio confirmaron que la longitud del esternón logra predecir la estatura en ambos sexos de adolescents montenegrinos de manera confiable, y reveló un hallazgo útil para los antropólogos físicos y los expertos de áreas relacionadas. Se confirmó que existe una correlación entre la longitud del esternón y la altura del cuerpo (hombres: 33,1 %, mujeres: 31,3 %). Por lo tanto, la longitud del esternón ha demostrado ser un predictor confiable sobre la base de la cual se puede estimar la altura real del cuerpo.

Reporte de Caso: Fractura esternal / Case report: STERNAL FRACTURE

Sternal fractures are not frequent. There are not many case reports and nowadays, there is not an agreement regarding their treatment. The aim of this report is to present a case in order to contribute clarifying the existing therapeutic proposals. A case of a 45 years-old male patient, who consults because of pain in the anterior region of the chest after a traffic accident is analyzed. The images studies reveal an sternal fracture on the upper third. A surgical approach is proposed but, as the patient refuses it, an ambulatory treatment is made with a satisfactory evolution. Although a surgical treatment was not done, the non surgical management achieved satisfactory results

Infra-abdominal muscles activation brings benefits to the pulmonary function of patients with ternal instability after cardiac surgery

Abstract Objective: To compare physical therapy strategies involving abdominal muscle stabilization, with and without upper limb movement, in patients with sternal instability after heart surgery and during in-hospital care. Methods: This prospective, longitudinal, randomized, and comparative clinical study included 20 patients, which were divided into two groups: ARM, the arm group (n=10), and LEG, the leg group (n=10). The study involved the evaluation of scores of visual analog scales for sternal instability, pain, discomfort, functional impairment, lung function, and maximum inspiratory pressure (MIP) and maximum expiratory pressure (MEP) before and after the interventions. Two protocols consisting of abdominal exercises in both groups with upper limb movements (ARM) and just abdominal activation with leg movements (LEG) were used for three weeks. Results: There were statistically significant (P≤0.01) improvements in pain, discomfort, and functional impairment scores, and in MIP (P=0.04) and MEP (P≤0.01) after intervention in both groups and just LEG showed improvement in forced vital capacity (P=0.043) and forced expiratory volume in one second (P=0.011). Conclusion: Both strategies promoted improvement in pain, discomfort, and functional impairment scores and in the values of inspiratory and expiratory pressures. Perhaps they were influenced by the time and resolution of the infection process, although exercises with upper limb movements seem to be safe in this population. The activation of the infra-abdominal muscles through leg movements seems to bring more benefits to lung function.

Sternal wound complications: results of routine use of negative pressure wound therapy

Abstract Introduction: Negative pressure wound therapy (NPWT) has significantly improved outcomes in individuals with superficial and deep sternal wound dehiscence (SWD). We report our experience with NPWT to evaluate factors influencing effectiveness, duration of treatment and postoperative hospital stay. Methods: We reviewed 92 patients with postoperative SWD following a median sternotomy. Patients were divided into 2 groups: those with a superficial SWD (Group 1; 72, 78%) and those with a deep SWD (Group 2; 20, 28%). Group 1 was further divided into 3 subgroups based on NPWT duration. Results: In both groups, none of the preoperative characteristics examined showed a significant association with longer NPWT duration. In Group 2, there was a trend for postoperative bleeding and neurological complications to be associated with longer treatment duration. In the entire series, staph infection resulted a weak predictor of NPWT duration. In each Group 1 subgroup and in Group 2, treatment days were compared with duration of hospitalization until discharge. Mean post-NPWT hospital stay was 6 days in subgroup 1, 12 days in subgroup 2 and 20 days in subgroup 3 (P<0.0001). At a median 3-year follow-up, there were 4 late deaths, none related to wound complications. No cases of SWD recurrence were observed. Conclusion: Our results confirm the effectiveness of NPWT in SWD management, while excessive treatment duration might have a negative impact on the length of hospital stay. Further studies are needed to define an optimal use of NPWT protocol.

Development and biomechanical study of a new sternoclavicular hook plate / 中国组织工程研究

BACKGROUND: At present, most of the treatment of unstable dislocation of sternoclavicular joint is to insert the hook plate of acromioclavicular joint into the cavity of sternal bone marrow or put it behind the sternum. The difficulty of operation is increased because of the insufficient application of steel plate, which reduces the effect of joint reduction. OBJECTIVE: The research team has developed a new type of sternoclavicular hook plate (Patent No. ZL201520515237.3), and compared the biomechanical properties of acromioclavicular hook plate and new sternoclavicular hook plate to fix sternoclavicular joint from the aspect of biomechanics. METHODS: The sternum and clavicle at both ends of the sternoclavicular joint were replaced with a rectangular artificial bone. Eighteen pairs of artificial sternoclavicular joints were randomly divided into two groups. In control group (n=6), the plate screw hole section of the shortest segment 3-hole common acromioclavicular hook plate was fixed to the artificial clavicle end; and the hook end was placed on the back side of the artificial sternum. Load and displacement changes in artificial sternal fractures were measured with MTS biomaterial test system. In the experimental group (n=12), the plate screw hole section of the shortest rod section 2 hole new sternoclavicular hook plate was fixed to the artificial clavicle end; and the hook end was inserted into the artificial sternum. The MTS biomaterial test system was used to detect changes in load and displacement of the anterior cortical bone (n=6) and posterior cortical bone (n-6). RESULTS AND CONCLUSION: In the control group, the mean of maximum destructive force was (390±51) N. The mean of maximum destructive force of anterior cortical bone was (421±55) N. In the experimental group, the mean of maximum destructive force of posterior cortical bone was (437±56) N. There were no significant differences between the three groups (P > 0.05). Results indicated that the new sternoclavicular hook plate did not increase the risk of sternum fracture, and it was a safe and effective internal fixation material.