A fractured sternum, often caused by a strong blow to the chest during a car accident, can leave the heart and lungs vulnerable to injury. Mild to moderate fractures usually heal over time, but severe fractures may require surgery. Doctors may order imaging tests to check for organ damage.
The sternum is a flat, downward-pointing bone that joins the ribs in the center of the chest, forming part of the bony enclosure known as the rib cage that protects the lungs and heart. A fractured sternum typically results from a strong blow to the chest, often occurring during a car accident. Although a fractured sternum can be difficult to treat, usually the injury will heal gradually without medical intervention. Because a fractured sternum can leave the heart and lungs vulnerable to injury, however, doctors will often perform tests on those who have broken this bone to make sure the organs inside the rib cage have not been damaged.
Any firm blow to the chest area has the potential to cause a sternum fracture. The injury can occur during a collision while playing a contact sport, for example. It could also occur if the chest hits an object or the ground during a fall.
Perhaps the most common cause of a fractured sternum, however, is an automobile accident. A car driver can suffer a broken sternum if his chest hits the steering wheel during an accident. Drivers not wearing a seat belt run a particularly high risk of being pushed into the steering wheel in the event of an accident. Somewhat paradoxically, the force of a seat belt against the chest during a collision can also cause a sternum fracture in both the driver and passengers. It should be noted, however, that the benefits of wearing seat belts are generally believed to outweigh any such potential consequences.
Because of its internal location, the sternum is difficult to immobilize, making it difficult to treat a fracture of this bone. However, mild to moderate sternum fractures usually heal over time. During the healing period, over-the-counter or prescription pain relievers may be used to manage discomfort in the affected area. Sternum bones that have been severely broken or shattered may require surgical correction to prevent injury to nearby organs.
A fractured sternum poses a double threat to the lungs and heart, which are contained within the rib cage. First, these organs can suffer bruises, scratches or perforations during the rupture itself. Second, a sternum that has been broken may not be able to provide adequate protection to the lungs and heart. Therefore, doctors who suspect a sternum fracture may order imaging tests such as X-rays to ensure that the injured individual’s lungs or heart have not been damaged.
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