A sternal fracture is a cracked or broken sternum often caused by an injury; the fracture is commonly seen in vehicle accidents when the steering wheel hits the driver's chest. The sternum, or breast bone, is the long vertical bone in the center of the chest. It is attached to the ribs, forming a protective enclosure for vital organs and tissue, including the heart and lungs. A diagnosis is made by chest X-ray, CT scan as well as blood work. The sternum will often heal on its own; rest, medication and cold compresses also aid in healing. A severe sternal fracture with extreme dislocation, pain or fractures may require surgery. A sternal fracture may be seen on visual examination, and can also include pain, shortness of breath and other symptoms.
Pain and Tenderness
Chest pain and spasms will occur over the center area of the chest. Moving, coughing, sneezing or breathing heavily may exacerbate the pain. The area around the sternum, the midline of the chest, may be painful to touch. The area may begin to swell and have bruising. Damage to internal organs may also occur; seek immediate treatment.
Difficulty Breathing
A person may experience difficulty breathing. Breathing heavily may cause pain or an uncomfortable pressure. Difficulty breathing alone is not a symptom indicating a broken sternum. A chest X-ray and other symptoms signifying a sternal fracture has occurred are necessary to make a conclusive diagnosis.
Deformed Chest Area
The chest area may visibly be deformed indicating a fracture has occurred suggests Free MD, an online medical reference. Blunt force trauma often causes the sternum to break. The fracture may be visible by displaying a bend or indentation of the chest area. An unleveled area may be felt when palpating the area.
Abnormal Heart Rhythms
An electrocardiogram may detect heart abnormalities, indicating the heart has been injured. Blood samples are taken to measure cardiac enzymes; high levels indicate damage to the heart has occurred possibly indicating a broken sternum in blunt force trauma injuries.
References
- Free MD
- Health Central
- Trauma; Ernest Eugene Moore, David V. Feliciano, Kenneth L. Mattox; 2004.
