Pediatric sternal fractures from a Level 1 trauma center

Retrospective review of 19 pediatric sternal fractures over 16 years at a Level 1 trauma center found these injuries are rare (0.07% of admissions), typically result from high-velocity mechanisms like motor vehicle accidents, and frequently present with significant associated injuries including pulmonary contusions, rib fractures, and substernal hematomas requiring thorough evaluation.