Sternal clefts, also called Sternum bifidum, represent vertically oriented midline congenital defects seen at the junction of the sternal bars. They occur secondary to failure or incomplete fusion of sternal segments. The sternal defects can vary from a linear fissure to larger defects with complete or partial separation of sternum.1
Associations
Large sternal clefts can be associated with ectopia cordis, omphalocele, part of complex syndromes (Cantrell's pentalogy or PHACE syndrome).2
Sclerotic band
Sclerotic sternal bands are usually seen in the inferior segment in the midline.3 Sclerotic bands are more common than clefts, though they have no clinical significance.
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