A broken sternum, or sternum fracture, is a crack or break in the bone that forms the chest. This break can occur anywhere along the length of the bone, but is most common in the middle. The sternum is a long, flat bone that runs down the center of the chest and connects to the ribs on either side. It is a relatively thin bone, and is therefore susceptible to fractures.
Symptoms of a sternum fracture can vary depending on the location and severity of the break. In general, however, symptoms may include:
- Pain in the chest, which may be severe
- Tenderness over the break
- Swelling in the area
- bruising in the area
- Difficulty breathing
- Shortness of breath
- Pain when coughing or sneezing
- Pain with movement of the arms or upper body
Sternum fractures are typically caused by direct trauma to the chest, such as from a car accident or a fall. This type of injury can be particularly dangerous because it can damage the lungs or other organs in the chest.
If you suspect that you or someone else has a sternum fracture, it is important to seek medical attention right away. This is a serious injury that will require treatment by a doctor. Treatment may include rest, pain medication, and surgery. In some cases, a lungs may need to be repaired or removed if they are damaged.
If you have a sternum fracture, it is important to follow your doctor's instructions for treatment and follow-up care. This will help to ensure a full and speedy recovery.
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How can you prevent a broken sternum?
The sternum, or breastbone, is a long, flat bone that forms the sternal portion of the rib cage. Itanchors the ribs to the spine and protects the heart and lungs. The sternum is vulnerable tofractures, or breaks, due to trauma or osteoporosis.
There are several ways to prevent a broken sternum. First, wear a seatbelt when riding in a car ormotorcycle. This will help protect your chest from impact in the event of a collision. Second,use caution when participating in contact sports. Wearing appropriate protective gear, such ashockey pads or a football helmet, can help reduce the risk of Sternum fracture. Third, if youhave osteoporosis, take medication as prescribed and get regular exercise to help strengthen yourbones.
If you do sustain a Sternum fracture, it is important to seek medical attention immediately. Thebone will need to be set and may require surgery to heal properly. With proper treatment, afractured Sternum will usually heal without complications.
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What are the long-term effects of a broken sternum?
There are a few long-term effects of a broken sternum that can vary in severity. They include:
- Pain in the chest or sternum area that can last for months or even years - Difficulty moving the arms or shoulders - Limited range of motion in the chest - Decreased ability to take deep breaths - Emotional distress from the pain and limitations
In most cases, the sternum will heal properly with time and the above effects will lessen. However, if the break is severe or there are other complications, such as damage to the surrounding muscles or ribs, the effects may be more severe and long-lasting. In rare cases, surgery may be required to repair the sternum.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How to diagnose a fractured sternum?
1 A thorough physical examination is conducted by the doctor for diagnosis. 2 X-rays are needed to confirm the diagnosis of a fractured sternum. 3 Other tests, such as CT scan or MRI scan also helps in confirmation of the diagnosis.
What happens when you break your sternum?
If the sternum breaks, the broken pieces of bone will puncture and compress the lungs. This can cause wheezing, difficulty breathing, and even death if not treated promptly. The prognosis for someone with a broken sternum is generally good as long as prompt treatment is pursued, but there may be some restrictions on activities for some time afterwards.
Can a broken sternum heal on its own?
Most sternal fractures heal on their own without any treatment.
How do you know if you fractured your sternum?
If you have any of the following symptoms, it is more than likely that you have injured your sternum: rib pain, which gets worse when you breathe deeply or cough, sudden chest pressure or coughing up blood after a fall, pain when breathing in (shortness of breath), pain with deep breathing.
What are the diagnostic tests for sternal fractures?
- Plain radiographs (x-rays) - CT scans
Sources
- https://www.mcleishorlando.com/insights/5-long-term-impacts-fractures/
- https://en.lombafit.com/broken-sternum/
- https://www.steadyhealth.com/articles/dangers-of-sternum-fracture-breast-bone
- https://www.publicinterestlawyers.co.uk/personal-injury-claims/fractured-sternum-compensation-claim
- https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/10209593/
- https://knowledgeburrow.com/can-you-live-without-a-sternum/
- https://www.arnabee.com/what-happens-if-you-break-your-sternum/
- https://www.timesmojo.com/what-are-the-symptoms-of-a-cracked-sternum/
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