Sternal cleft is an uncommon congenital deformity characterized by a separation of the sternum due to incomplete fusion during fetal development. This rare condition varies in presentation and severity, ranging from partial defects to a complete cleft sternum. The classification of sternal cleft includes superior, inferior, and total types, each requiring careful evaluation to determine the best treatment strategy.
Causes and Clinical Features
The exact cause of sternal cleft remains unclear. However, its embryological mechanism is relatively well understood and is believed to involve a failure of midline fusion of the paired sternal bars during early fetal development. This abnormal developmental process results in an incomplete formation of the sternum, producing a visible or palpable defect in the anterior chest wall. Patients with a cleft sternum may exhibit breathing difficulties, recurrent respiratory infections, or cyanosis, particularly during early infancy. When associated with other anomalies, such as Cantrell’s pentalogy, the condition may present with more complex and severe malformations and clinical manifestations.
Diagnosis and Management
Diagnosis involves detailed imaging, including chest CT and 3D reconstruction, as well as echocardiography to assess potential cardiac malformations. For patients requiring surgical correction, The Institute of Chest Wall Surgery (ICWS) provides advanced and safe procedures tailored to the patient’s age and anatomical condition. With more than 15 years of focused experience and over 10,000 successful surgeries, they specialize in treating sternal cleft and other chest wall deformities through innovative, minimally invasive techniques.
ConclusionThrough standardized preoperative evaluation and individualized surgical planning, The Institute of Chest Wall Surgery (ICWS) delivers comprehensive care for patients with cleft sternum and other chest wall deformities. Their approach emphasizes surgical safety, minimal trauma, and optimal correction outcomes, helping young
