Injuries to the sternum and thoracic cage are relatively frequent in
this age of motor-vehicle accidents, high-speed sports activities, and
industrial injuries, yet non-union of a fracture of the sternum is
exceptionally rare. Sternotomy is commonly performed in cardiothoracic
surgery, and the sternum is usually divided vertically or transversely, but
non-union of the sternal cut is rare. Fracture of the sternum in a child is
especially rare.