Abstract
Because of its subcutaneous location, the sternum can be examined sonographically
using a linear scanner. We report about two children who experienced blunt chest trauma.
Anterior–posterior chest X-rays were normal. Ultrasonic imaging confirmed a fracture
of the sternum with dorsal displacement of the distal fragment (by 0.97 cm) in the
first child and a transverse fracture of the body of the sternum without displacement
in the second child. In both children, pericardial effusion was excluded by sonography.
The displaced fracture of the sternum was confirmed by magnetic resonance imaging
(MRI), which ruled out concomitant injuries of the soft tissues adjacent to the sternum.
Both sternum fractures were managed nonoperatively. These cases serve to emphasize
the importance of sonography that represents an ionizing radiation free, noninvasive,
efficient, and safe imaging modality to diagnose fractures of the sternum in children
while also enabling the assessment of the pericardium.
Keywords
ultrasonography - children - sternum fracture - ultrasound
