Sternal cleft - primary repair - A rare case report

A cleft sternum is a rare congenital anomaly, which is often asymptomatic at birth. Itsincidence is about 1 in 50,000 with a slight male preponderance. Clinical outcome may beunfavourable when an associated anomaly is present, particularly an intra cardiac anomaly if itcoexists with the defect. Primary repair should be employed in the neonatal period because theflexibility of the chest wall is maximal and compression of underlying structures is minimal.