Sternal clefts are rare congenital
malformations
A birth defect, also known as a congenital disorder, is an abnormal condition that is present at birth regardless of its cause. Birth defects may result in disabilities that may be physical, intellectual, or developmental. The disabilities can r ...
that result from defective embryologic fusion of paired mesodermal bands in the ventral midline.
They may be associated with other midline defects (as in
pentalogy of Cantrell
Pentalogy of Cantrell (or thoraco-abdominal syndrome) is a rare congenital syndrome that causes defects involving the diaphragm, abdominal wall, pericardium, heart and lower sternum.
Presentation
There are five characteristic findings in pentalo ...
). It may also occur in isolation.
Sternal cleft is treated by surgery in early life to avoid fixation leading to immobility.
See also
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PHACE association
*
List of cutaneous conditions
Many skin conditions affect the human integumentary system—the organ system covering the entire surface of the body and composed of skin, hair, nails, and related muscle and glands. The major function of this system is as a barrier agai ...
References
External links
Musculoskeletal disorders
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