## 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.
ventral chest pain; crepitus on palpation; reluctance to lie down; pain when girthed; ventral edema
## 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.
ventral chest pain; crepitus on palpation; reluctance to lie down; pain when girthed; ventral edema