Sternal cleft - primary repair - A rare case report

Abstract

A cleft sternum is a rare congenital
anomaly, which is often asymptomatic at
birth. Itsincidence is about 1 in 50,000
with a slight male preponderance. Clinical
outcome may beunfavourable when
an associated anomaly is present, particularly
an intra cardiac anomaly if itcoexists
with the defect. Primary repair
should be employed in the neonatal period
because theflexibility of the chest
wall is maximal and compression of underlying
structures is minimal.