Cartilago intersternalis (I-II)
The equine sternum is made of several sternebrae connected by intersternebral cartilages (symphyses). These fibrocartilaginous joints permit limited movement between the segments and provide attachment for ribs and sternal muscles. The more caudal cartilages tend to be broader and flatter. With age the cartilages progressively ossify and the sternebrae fuse into a more solid structure. The ventral surface of the sternum is palpable in the girth area.
Sternal fractures are uncommon but can follow falls or trauma. The sternum and intersternebral regions can be imaged with ventral ultrasound. Girth pressure can cause local irritation or periostitis over the sternebrae. Fusion is a normal aging change.
## 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 girth fit to avoid pressure sores over the sternum. Chest pain, reluctance to move, or swelling after a fall warrants veterinary examination.
## 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
Sternal fractures are uncommon but can follow falls or trauma. The sternum and intersternebral regions can be imaged with ventral ultrasound. Girth pressure can cause local irritation or periostitis over the sternebrae. Fusion is a normal aging change.
Check girth fit to avoid pressure sores over the sternum. Chest pain, reluctance to move, or swelling after a fall warrants veterinary examination.
See the Intersternebral Cartilage (1-2) on our interactive 3D horse model. Open 3D Model