A sternal fracture is a painful injury caused by a sudden impact to the sternum, often from high-impact car accidents. It can cause serious complications and requires emergency medical attention. Recovery can take weeks or months, and treatment may include medication, rest, and surgery.
A sternal fracture is a break in the sternum that is usually caused by a sudden, forceful impact. It is usually a very painful injury that can be accompanied by swelling, bruising and difficulty breathing. Serious life-threatening complications such as internal bleeding, lung collapse, and heart muscle rupture can also occur. Recovery from a sternal fracture can take several weeks or months, depending on the extent of the injury. By taking medications, limiting activity levels, and following other instructions given by their doctors, most people are eventually able to make a full recovery.
High-impact automobile accidents are the leading cause of sternal fractures. When a car’s momentum suddenly stops, the chest can be pressed against the steering wheel or dashboard with extreme force. A person can also suffer a sternal fracture if they fall directly onto their breastbone from above or are hit in the chest with a fast-moving projectile, such as a baseball. In most cases, the break occurs along the bottom of the sternum because it is significantly more fragile and less protected than the thicker upper portion.
A sternal fracture is usually evident right away. A person experiences intense, throbbing pain in the center of the chest and difficulty breathing normally. In the case of a major fracture, a crackling sensation may be felt in the chest and even audible when trying to move. The area is usually bruised, very tender to the touch, and swollen. Other symptoms may be present if internal injuries have occurred, such as rapid breathing and heart rate, dizziness, mental confusion, and fainting.
It is important to seek emergency medical help anytime a sternal fracture is suspected. A healthcare team can stabilize the patient with oxygen therapy and intravenous medications if needed. X-rays and computed tomography are done from multiple angles to evaluate the extent of the bone fracture and to look for internal complications.
In the case of a relatively minor sternal fracture, a patient may not need surgery or a long hospital stay. He could simply be advised to avoid physical activity for several weeks, freeze the bone regularly, and take anti-inflammatory medications to reduce pain and swelling. The doctor can also explain deep breathing techniques and light physical exercises that the patient can do while the wound heals to speed recovery time. A more serious injury may require surgery to realign the bones, aspirate blood from the chest cavity, or repair a damaged lung.
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