BACKGROUND The routine implementation of sternal precautions to prevent sternal complications that restrict the use of the upper limbs is currently worldwide practice following a median sternotomy. However, evidence is limited and drawn primarily from cadaver studies and orthopaedic research. Sternal precautions may delay recovery, prolong hospital discharge and be overly restrictive. Recent re...

We report a case of sternal non-union after open aortic valve replacement surgery in a 48-year-old man. The sternotomy was repaired using stainless steel wires and later, 'flexigrip' cables. He presented to us six months later complaining of persistent pain in the sternotomy site. CT-scan confirmed a sternal non-union. After consultation with the ultrasound device, and aortic valve manufacturer...

Sternal metastases are not studied extensively in the literature. There is a paucity of information on their role in metastatic disease. The concept of the fourth column was described by Berg in 1993, and has been proven in case report, clinically and biomechanical studies. The role of the sternum as a support to the thoracic spine is well documented in the trauma patients, but not much is know...

recent books on hsematological technique \!ere is often no reference to the possibility of sepsis manubnum sterni, following sternal puncture. , When sternal puncture first came into common use 0r hematological and kala-azar investigations, two ases in my wards at the Mayo Hospital, Lahore, eveIoped septic infections of the bone marrow and steomyelitis of the manubrium, leading to long and seno...

INTRODUCTION Solitary fibrous tumors are uncommon soft tissue tumors initially reported only in the pleura but, in recent years, they have been described at many extra pleural sites, such as mediastinum. The treatment of choice is the extensive surgical resection that is curative for most benign lesions. PRESENTATION OF THE CASE We present the case of solitary fibrous tumor of the anterior me...

A 16 year old male presented with Ewing’s sarcoma of the sternum which extended into the anterior mediastinum. At presentation, there was no evidence of metastatic disease. The patient was initially treated with chemotherapy. The residual tumor was subsequently resected and the sternal defect was repaired with a polyprolene mesh and a muscle flap. Post-operatively, the patient did well and was ...