Sternebra V
The fifth sternebra is one of the individual bones that make up the equine sternum. The ventral surface of the sternum is palpable in the girth area. It provides attachment for pectoral and sternal muscles and helps anchor the ribs. Sternebrae fuse with age. The region can be a site of girth galls or periostitis from pressure or friction of poorly fitting girths.
The sternum is imaged with ventral ultrasound. Sternal fractures are rare but can occur from falls. Girth galls and periostitis are more common soft-tissue or periosteal issues.
## Overview Sternal fracture is a break of the breastbone from direct ventral trauma such as a fall or collision. It causes ventral chest pain, crepitus, reluctance to lie down, pain when girthed, an
## Overview Sternal osteomyelitis is bacterial infection of the sternebrae (breastbone segments). It causes a painful swelling on the ventral midline, often with a draining tract, and fever. It may f
Check the girth area regularly for swelling, heat, or sores. Ensure the girth is clean, properly fitted, and not over-tightened. Persistent sores or swelling under the girth need veterinary or saddle-fit evaluation.
## Overview Sternal fracture is a break of the breastbone from direct ventral trauma such as a fall or collision. It causes ventral chest pain, crepitus, reluctance to lie down, pain when girthed, and sometimes ventral edema. Multiple sternebrae may be involved. ## Causes Blunt trauma to the ventral chest. ## Diagnosis Palpation and radiographs or ultrasound of the sternum. ## Treatment Rest and pain management. Surgical repair is rarely performed. Most heal with time. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good for uncomplicated fractures. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance. Signs include: ventral chest pain; crepitus on palpation; reluctance to lie down; pain when girthed; ventral edema
## Overview Sternal osteomyelitis is bacterial infection of the sternebrae (breastbone segments). It causes a painful swelling on the ventral midline, often with a draining tract, and fever. It may follow trauma, surgery, or hematogenous spread. ## Causes Bacterial infection, often after wound or trauma. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, radiographs or computed tomography, and culture of drainage. ## Treatment Prolonged antibiotics and surgical debridement of infected bone. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Chronic infection is difficult to clear. ## Prevention Prompt treatment of ventral chest wounds. Signs include: draining tract on the ventral midline; fever; painful swelling
The sternum is imaged with ventral ultrasound. Sternal fractures are rare but can occur from falls. Girth galls and periostitis are more common soft-tissue or periosteal issues.
Check the girth area regularly for swelling, heat, or sores. Ensure the girth is clean, properly fitted, and not over-tightened. Persistent sores or swelling under the girth need veterinary or saddle-fit evaluation.
See the Fifth Sternebra on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model