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. 2011 Nov;14(4):6-11.
doi: 10.1002/j.2205-0140.2011.tb00131.x. Epub 2015 Dec 31.

Ultrasonography of sternal fractures

Chris Nickson  1 , James Rippey  1
Affiliations

Ultrasonography of sternal fractures

Chris Nickson et al. Australas J Ultrasound Med. 2011 Nov.

Abstract

This paper describes the use of clinician-performed ultrasound to detect sternal fractures in trauma patients. It is a pictorial essay that describes the ultrasound technique, the normal anatomy and ultrasound findings, variants, potential pitfalls and the appearance of fractures when they occur in both children and adults.

Keywords: sternal fracture; sternum; ultrasonography; ultrasound.

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Figures

Figure 1
Figure 1
The anterior surface of the sternum and costal cartilages 18 .
Figure 2
Figure 2
Lateral view of the sternum 18 .
Figure 3
Figure 3
Development of the sternum; the sternebrae 18 .
Figure 4
Figure 4
Ultrasound of normal adult sternum (longitudinal composite view). The anterior cortex has been highlighted in the lower image. (1) Jugular notch; (2) manubrium; (3) sternomanubrial junction (4) ridge at level of 3rd costal cartilage (5) ridge at level of 4th costal cartilage (6) xiphisternum.
Figure 5
Figure 5
Transverse ultrasound image of the manubrium.
Figure 6
Figure 6
Transverse ultrasound image of the sternum.
Figure 7
Figure 7
Sternal foramen.
Figure 8
Figure 8
Normal paediatric sternum. This is a longitudinal panoramic ultrasound view of the sternum of a 6 year‐old. (1) Manubrium; (2) sternomanubrial junction; (3) 1st sternebra; (4) intersternebral cartilaginous junction; (5) 2nd sternebra, (6) intersternebral cartilaginous junction; (7) 3rd sternebra.
Figures 9a–g
Figures 9a–g
Manubrial and sternal fractures in adults. A step in the cortex at the site of maximal tenderness, running transversely across the sternum is likely to be a fracture. If the fracture traverses both cortices the proximal and distal portions may move independently through the respiratory cycle.
Figure 9
Figure 9
Paediatric sternal fracture. Here a step is seen in the anterior cortex of the first sternebrae. This 9 year‐old child had been in a car accident, was wearing a seatbelt and complained of pain and tenderness at exactly the site of the cortical step. (1) Manubrium; (2) sternomanubrial junction; (3) 1st sternebra; (4) fracture; (5) cartilaginous junction; (6) 2nd sternebra.
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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