Sternovertebral fractures, which are simultaneous fractures of the spine and sternum, usually result to body trunk instability. This study aimed at investigating the characteristics, treatment strategies, and outcomes of sternovertebral fractures. Methods: We included 27 cases of sternovertebral fractures diagnosed between 2008 and 2020. The variables investigated were the fracture sites, treatment methods, type of bone union, and complaints. Results: Sternal fractures concerned the sternal body (22 cases), manubrium (3 cases), and both segments (2 cases). Nine patients had displaced sternal fractures. The spine fractures involved the cervical (2 cases), thoracic (17 cases), and lumbar (4 cases) segments, and there were four cases of multiple-level spine fractures. Types I, II, and III column injuries (Denis classification) were identified in 4, 13, and 10 cases, respectively. Complications included multiple rib fractures [12 cases (44%)], hemopneumothorax [7 cases (26%)], and lung contusion [6 cases (22%)]. There were no cases of cardiac or aortic injuries. The sternal fractures were treated conservatively in almost all the cases [26/27 cases (96%)]. Spinal fractures were treated surgically in 17 cases (63%). A satisfactory bone union was obtained in all the cases of sternal and spinal fractures, and complaints were noted in 2/27 (7%) sternal fractures and 14/27 (52%) spinal fractures.
Conclusion:The most frequent clinical form of sternovertebral fractures was combined sternal body/thoracic spine fracture. In sternovertebral fractures, sternal fractures are mostly treated by conservative means.
We present a case of a morbidly obese 44–year–old woman with a short neck who had nasal discharge 3 days prior to admission. She was diagnosed with acute respiratory distress syndrome due to coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID–19) using severe acute respiratory syndrome–coronavirus–2 polymerase chain reaction test and was admitted to our hospital the following day. Her respiratory condition gradually worsened. On day 9 of hospitalization, she was intubated and transferred to our department. On day 4 after admission to the intensive care unit (ICU), her P/F ratio was 82.6. Therefore, extracorporeal membrane oxygenation (ECMO) was warranted. Since she had a short neck, the cannula could not be inserted through the jugular vein. Therefore, veno–venous ECMO was initiated through the left and right femoral veins. On day 30, the patient was weaned off ECMO. On day 36, she was extubated, and on day 47, she was discharged from the ICU. Finally, on day 55, she was discharged from the hospital. In morbidly obese patients with short necks, VV–ECMO with bilateral femoral venipuncture may be a treatment option. Thus, it is important to understand its advantages and disadvantages to ensure proper management.
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