What is the treatment for a sternal fracture?

The most common form of treatment is simply to rest and allow the break to heal. During this time, ice the chest area to treat both swelling and pain. You can also take over-the-counter pain medication such as acetaminophen (Tylenol) or ibuprofen (Advil).

What is the most common site of sternal fracture?

The most common location of the fracture is in the sternal manubrium or body. In many cases, there is an underlying organ injury. Heart and lung contusion, as well as rib fractures, are not uncommon with sternal fractures.

How long does it take for a sternal fracture to heal?

In most cases, a broken sternum will heal on its own. It can take 3 months or longer for the pain to go away. The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away.

Does a fractured sternum require surgery?

Although most of the sternal fractures heal without any surgical intervention, in selected patients with severe pain, signs of compression or displaced fracture, surgery should be remembered. Repair with suture materials is a safe and cost-effective method to be considered.

How painful is a sternum fracture?

A broken sternum typically causes moderate to severe pain when the accident occurs. The pain may get worse when you take a deep breath, cough, or sneeze. The area over the sternum may be tender and hurt if touched. Bruising.

How long should sternum pain last?

While a bruised sternum can feel serious because it’s so close to your heart, it usually heals on its own within a few weeks. While you heal, try to avoid as much heavy lifting as possible. If you start to notice other symptoms, such as jaw pain or dizziness, contact your doctor right away.

Is sternum fracture serious?

Sternal fracture can interfere with breathing by making it more painful; however, its primary significance is that it can indicate the presence of serious associated internal injuries, especially to the heart and lungs.

Is sternum pain serious?

While sternum pain is not usually serious, there are some causes of sternum pain that require immediate medical attention. A person should seek emergency medical attention if the pain: started as a result of direct trauma. is accompanied by heart attack symptoms.

What does it mean if your sternum hurts?

Costochondritis is the most common cause The most common cause of sternum pain is a condition called costochondritis. This occurs when the cartilage that connects your ribs to your sternum becomes inflamed. Symptoms of costochondritis include: sharp pains or aches on the side of your sternum area.

Can you crack your sternum?

Fractures. A sternum fracture, or break in the breastbone, is usually caused by direct trauma to the bone. The swelling of the joints associated with sternum fractures can cause popping in this area as well.

Why does the middle of my breastbone hurt?

Costochondritis is the most common cause of sternum pain and occurs when the cartilage between the sternum and ribs becomes inflamed and irritated. Costochondritis can sometimes occur as the result of osteoarthritis but may also happen for no apparent reason.

How do you know if your sternum is bruised or fractured?

Symptoms of a bruised sternum Symptoms include pain on the breastbone following impact. You will feel tenderness at the front of the chest over the bone and breathing may be painful. Coughing and sneezing are also likely to reproduce pain and bruising may appear later.

How is a sternal fracture of the sternum detected?

Sternal fractures need to be detected with lateral views or other special radiographic projections of the sternum. Sternal fractures can only be detected in a frontal chest plain film when it is associated with significant tansverse displacement.

Can a patient with a sternal fracture go home?

Bottom Line: Isolated sternal fractures, not involving the manubrium with normal ECG and cardiac enzymes (if ordered) can be safely discharged home. 1. Scheyerer M, Zimmermann S, Bouaicha S, Simmen H, Wanner G, Werner C. Location of sternal fractures as a possible marker for associated injuries.

What causes an isolated sternal fracture ( ISF )?

Isolated sternal fracture (ISF) can be defined as a sternal fracture without any other known thoracic injuries like rib fracture, pneumothorax, heamothorax, etc. Sternal fracture is considered to be caused by a high energy injury2 and may be associated with intrathoracic injuries1; like cardiac injury.

What causes a break in the sternum bone?

Sternal fracture What is a sternal fracture? The sternum or breastbone is the bone in the front and center of the chest. Your ribs and clavicle (collar bone) attach to your sternum. A sternal fracture is a break in this bone. The most common cause of a sternal fracture is trauma.