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Fracture, Sternum, Sports Medicine

Steven Cuff, MD, FAAP, CAQSM and Thomas L. Pommering, DO, FAAFP Reviewed 04/2019
 


BASICS

DESCRIPTION

  • Direct:

    • Results from direct force applied to the sternum, most often from a blow to the body of the sternum in the lower part

    • Fracture typically occurs near manubrium.

  • Indirect:

    • Results ...

DIAGNOSIS

HISTORY

  • Mechanism of injury: direct blow to chest wall

  • Forced flexion of cervical spine (heavy blow to back of head or fall onto head or upper back)

  • Pain with inspiration

  • Crepitus with respirato...

TREATMENT

  • Evaluate and treat any associated life-threatening injuries.

  • Most nondisplaced fractures are treated conservatively with rest and analgesia until symptoms subside.

  • Consider hematoma block usin...

ONGOING CARE

FOLLOW-UP RECOMMENDATIONS

  • Usually heals without any sequelae

  • Consider early orthopedic referral if displaced fracture, open fracture, or flail chest.

  • Early consultation as appropriate if the...

REFERENCES

1
Yeh DD, Hwabejire JO, DeMoya MA, et al. Sternal fracture—an analysis of the National Trauma Data Bank. J Surg Res.  2014;186(1):39–43.
2
Recinos G, Inaba K, Dubose J, et al. Epidemiolog...

ADDITIONAL READING

  • Athanassiadi K, Gerazounis M, Moustardas M, et al. Sternal fractures: retrospective analysis of 100 cases. World J Surg.  2002;26(10):1243–1246.

  • Baker JC, Demertzis JL. Manubria...

CLINICAL PEARLS

  • Contact sports should be avoided until symptoms subside, typically 6 to 12 wk.

  • General conditioning or training program permitted within the limits of discomfort posed by the injury

  • When...

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