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Fracture of sternum

by Alike Medical Team ∙ Updated on June 13, 2023

General

The sternum, also known as the breastbone, is the flat bone in the center of your chest. It connects to your ribs and collarbone. A broken sternum is most often caused by a blunt injury, usually an accident, but it can also be cause by sports injury, falling from great height, physical assault, or cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

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Signs & symptoms

Symptoms of sternal fracture include: - Chest pain - Shortness of breath - Chest bruising

Diagnosis

Based on your story and symptoms, your healthcare provider will most likely refer you to an X-ray scan for diagnosing sternal fracture. CT scan and ultrasound are also other options for diagnosing a fracture of sternum.

Treatment

Most sternal fractures heal on their own without any treatment. Complete recovery usually takes 8 to 12 weeks. Surgery is only needed if the broken parts of the sternum aren't lined up correctly or unstable.

Note

☝ We provide information on prescription and over-the-counter medicines, diagnosis, procedures and lab tests. This material is provided for educational purposes only and is not medical advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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