## Overview Fracture or displacement of the xiphoid process (the caudal tip of the sternum) results from trauma to the ventral chest or abdomen. It causes ventral abdominal pain, pain on palpation of the caudal sternum, and reluctance to round the back. ## Causes Direct trauma. ## Diagnosis Palpation and radiographs or ultrasound. ## Treatment Rest and pain management. Most heal without surgery. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance.
ventral abdominal pain; pain on palpation of the caudal sternum; reluctance to round the back
## Overview Fracture or displacement of the xiphoid process (the caudal tip of the sternum) results from trauma to the ventral chest or abdomen. It causes ventral abdominal pain, pain on palpation of the caudal sternum, and reluctance to round the back. ## Causes Direct trauma. ## Diagnosis Palpation and radiographs or ultrasound. ## Treatment Rest and pain management. Most heal without surgery. ## Recovery and Prognosis Good. ## Prevention Trauma avoidance.
ventral abdominal pain; pain on palpation of the caudal sternum; reluctance to round the back