Abstract
Background Sternum fractures (SFs) are described as a rare entity of bony fractures. Various
accident mechanisms may cause SF such as the direct impact of traffic accidents and
also by indirect mechanisms within the framework of falls. Osteoporotic fractures
also play an increasing role in SF, but no reliable data on the age distribution of
SF in a representative collective have been published so far.
Material and Methods The age distribution of all inpatients treated with SF (S22.2) in Germany from 2005
to 2012 using diagnosis-related group-based routine data was evaluated. Various accident
statistics are included in the interpretation of age peaks.
Results A total of 47,893 patients (24,960 as main diagnosis and 22,933 as secondary diagnosis)
were included in the study. SF is a rarity in childhood, with a share of 1.83% before
the age of 16 years, followed by a sudden increase in the frequency up to the age
of 20 years. A decrease in the frequency is observed up to the age of 35 years before
it increases again to the age of 75 years. Three age peaks can be observed at 18,
55, and 75 years. Those who are older than 65 years account for 43.3% of total SF.
Discussion and Conclusion The first age summit after the age of 16 years shows an identical course to the frequency
of traffic accidents of this age group, as well as the decline to the fourth decade
and the subsequent resurgence up to the fifth decade. After 65 years, the incidence
of accidents increases, in particular, the risk of falling in elderly people. In the
context of a weaker bone structure, low falls are a common course for fragility fractures.
The present analysis of routines shows for the first time the age distribution of
the SF taking into account all hospital cases of the observation period.
Keywords
sternum fracture - sternal fracture - age distribution - routine data - medical care
