Long-term morbidity in patients suffering a sternal fracture following discharge from the A and E department.

Abstract

To describe the duration of symptoms and long term outcome in patients who were discharged home from the A and E department having sustained an isolated fracture of the sternum. Postal questionnaire. Patients were asked specific questions regarding advice and analgesia given on discharge, length of time off work, if appropriate, and length of time of symptoms related to the injury. A response rate of 55% was achieved. The majority of patients had been involved in a motor vehicle accident. Chest pain was the predominant persisting symptom lasting for a mean period of 10.9 weeks. Duration of symptoms was significantly prolonged in patients over the age of 50 (p < 0.03). Although injury was more common in females this was not statistically significant (p < 0.09). Advice given regarding rehabilitation was poor and variable. Patients suffering a sternal fracture have prolonged symptoms. Those being discharged home from the A and E department are at present being given variable and poor advice. A more formal approach to rehabilitation, analgesia and a letter to the general practitioner outlining prognosis will improve their standard of care.