Surgical repair of a large incomplete cleft sternum.

Congenital deformities of the chest are not uncommon, are frequently symptomatic, and are readily correctable. This applies particularly to malfusion of the manubrium and upper sternum, which results in a bony deficiency together with divarication of the sternomastoid muscles and the sternoclavicular joints. Such defects of the sternum are best corrected as soon after birth as possible. Two patients are reported who had such a defect, and the technique for a satisfactory repair is described.