American Board of Surgery Qualifying Exam (ABS QE) Practice Test

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Prepare for the ABS QE with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question provides hints and explanations to enhance understanding. Start your journey to becoming a certified surgeon and tackle your exam with confidence!

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Cardiac contusion is a risk following which fracture?

Pelvic fracture
Sternal fracture
Cervical fracture
Maxillofacial fracture

The correct answer is: Sternal fracture

Cardiac contusion is most closely associated with sternal fractures due to the location and mechanism of injury. The sternum is centrally positioned in the chest and plays a significant role in protecting the heart. A fracture of the sternum typically occurs due to blunt force trauma, such as in a car accident or violent impact, directly impacting the chest area where the heart is situated. This can lead to bruising of the myocardium, or heart muscle, which is deemed a cardiac contusion. When the sternum fractures, the force can transmit directly to the heart, leading to potential damage. Cardiac contusions can manifest as arrhythmias, chest pain, or other cardiac dysfunction, making it a critical consideration in trauma assessment following a sternal fracture. Other fractures, such as those involving the pelvis, cervical spine, or maxillofacial region, do not have the same direct impact on the heart and generally do not carry the same risk of causing cardiac contusion. Therefore, understanding the anatomy and the implications of sternal fractures clarifies why this is the correct association with cardiac contusions.