Sternal clefts and anomalies

Abstract

There are many variations of sternal anatomy and development. Most of these do not alter chest physiology significantly and as such are not clinically important. Those that do often require surgical treatment early in life. In this chapter, we will review normal sternal development, congenital sternal anomalies and their treatment, and acquired sternal anomalies. Many of the congenital anomalies are often associated with other conditions that result in alterations in the development of other midline structures or thoracic organs.