The xiphoid process is a small bone at the bottom of the sternum that can easily fracture due to blunt trauma, such as contact sports or improper CPR technique. It is located in an exposed area and can be dangerous if it punctures the heart.
The xiphoid process is the lowest portion of the sternum, or sternum. It’s the small, tapered piece of bone that protrudes downward from where the two sides of the rib cage meet in the middle. Because it is so exposed, this bone is susceptible to fractures, in which it breaks away from the body of the sternum. The injury can be caused by any blunt trauma, such as a blow to the chest as occurs during contact sports or an automobile accident, or during cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR), when the caregiver uses improper technique while performing chest compressions.
Located right in the center of the chest, the xiphoid process may be located just below the nipple line in the space where the lower ribs meet. Because it descends a short distance into this in-between space and is therefore not protected by the rib cage, and also because it is so close to the skin, a blow to the chest can easily damage the process or rupture it altogether. The latter injury is considered very dangerous, not because of the function of this bone – it serves as an attachment site for the diaphragm muscle and the rectus abdominis muscle in the abdomen – but because the broken piece of bone can easily puncture the heart, which is located just behind the breastbone.
Blunt trauma is the most common cause of bone damage, with contact sports a frequent arena in which this injury is seen. In American football, for example, the bone can be damaged when one player drives his helmet into another player’s chest. Rug and boxing are two more sports in which athletes can apply direct blows to each other’s chests. Other causes of physical trauma that can damage it include car accidents in which the body is thrown against the steering column or hit in the chest with a blunt object, such as a baseball pitcher being hit with the ball.
Another activity with a high risk of damage to the xiphoid process is CPR. Kneeling on the ground next to an unconscious person who is lying face up, the rescuer places his or her hands palm over the other in the center of the chest at the nipple line and rapidly presses up and down on the sternum in the hope of pumping the heart muscle behind it. If the rescuer puts the heels of their hands too low, they risk breaking the bone during compressions and putting the heart at even greater risk.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
