Abstract
Cleft sternum is a congenital malformation of the thoracic wall, arising in a deficiency in the midline embrionic fusion of the sternal valves. The defect must be repaired early at birth, to re-establish the bony protection of the mediastinum, prevent paradoxical visceral movement with respiration, eliminate the visible deformity and permit the normal growth of the thoracic cage.
Objective: To present 2 patients with this infrequent malformation, reviewing their clinical evolution.
Conclusion: Cleft sternum is a low frequency malformation which must be corrected early to prevent complications, and the more difficult correction in later life.
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Copyright (c) 2005 Revista Chilena de Pediatría