[Anatomoclinical forms of fractures of the sternum. Role and methods of osteosynthesis of unstable fractures].

In general, fractures of the sternum are of little interest. This is unfair since unstable fractures may be the cause of paradoxical respiration and hence respiratory distress. Fractures often result from automobile accidents and occur in passengers wearing seat belts. In these circumstances, the seat belt in fact replaces the steering wheel as the causative agent. With reference to several cases this variety of injury is studied from the anatomo-pathological, clinical and therapeutic viewpoints. Osteosynthesis using a plate and screws limited to the sternum or including neighbouring rib fractures would appear to be the method of choice. Surgical fixation of the fracture site, the methods of which are discussed, is of value for both isolated lesions of the thoracic cage, and also in the context of single stage surgery in certain patients with multiple trauma.