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Sternal fracture

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Sternal fractures have increased in frequency with the mandatory wearing of seat belts.

A sternal fracture may result from:

  • direct trauma - requires quite considerable force and usually associated with other injuries
  • violent flexion injury of the thoracic spine - with a thoracic spine wedge fracture

Common causes are road traffic accidents:

  • fall on to the steering column of a car
  • the seat belt itself

Isolated sternal fractures are not serious and may simply need re-alignment, by reduction and wiring. If displacement is minimal, no treatment is necessary.

The main concern is with damage to the surrounding structures - ribs, myocardium, great vessels, and thoracic spine. A flail segment due to multiple rib fractures may be difficult to manage. A ruptured aorta is life threatening.

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The content herein is provided for informational purposes and does not replace the need to apply professional clinical judgement when diagnosing or treating any medical condition. A licensed medical practitioner should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions.

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