Congenital bifid sternum: repair in early infancy and literature review
Greenberg, B.M.; Becker, J.M.; Pletcher, B.A.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery 88(5): 886-889
1991
ISSN/ISBN: 0032-1052 PMID: 1924580 Document Number: 386332
Sternal clefting is an unusual congenital anomaly that should be repaired in early infancy. Early surgery is facilitated by a highly compliant bony thorax. The surgical technique is described, including the (1) removal of a wedge at the confluence of the two lateral sternal bands to allow their apposition, (2) intraoperative assessment of pulmonary compliance and central venous pressure, (3) use of bilateral pectoral flaps, and (4) resulting avoidance of major costochondral stair-step osteotomies. The suggested age of repair is 1 to 4 weeks of age.