How to treat a sternal fracture

Under normal circumstances, sternal body fractures may be caused by direct violent impact, indirect force transmission, osteoporosis, infectious osteomyelitis, bone tumors, or other reasons. It is recommended to seek medical attention promptly, identify the underlying cause, and then improve the condition under a doctor's guidance through conservative management, medication, surgical treatment, and other approaches. Specific analyses are as follows:

1. Direct violent impact: A direct external force to the chest—such as from a car accident or being struck by a heavy object—can exceed the sternal body’s tolerance, resulting in fracture. Immediate immobilization and rest are required to avoid chest movement that could worsen the injury. Cold compresses can help reduce swelling and pain during the initial phase, while heat therapy may be used later to promote recovery.

2. Indirect force transmission: When falling, bracing with the hands or experiencing severe torso twisting can transmit forces through the trunk to the sternal body, leading to fracture. Patients should wear a thoracic support brace to limit chest wall movement. While resting in bed, excessive turning should be avoided, and breathing patterns should be closely monitored to prevent respiratory difficulties.

3. Osteoporosis: Reduced bone mass and bone density lead to decreased strength of the sternal body, making it susceptible to fracture even under minor trauma. This is commonly seen in elderly individuals or those with chronic calcium deficiency. Patients should take medications such as calcium carbonate D3 tablets, alendronate sodium tablets, and calcitriol soft capsules as prescribed to improve bone density.

4. Infectious osteomyelitis: Bacterial or fungal pathogens infecting the sternal body can trigger inflammation that destroys bone tissue, weakening skeletal integrity and potentially causing fracture. Patients must follow medical advice to use antibiotics such as ceftriaxone sodium injection, levofloxacin hydrochloride injection, and metronidazole injection to control the infection.

5. Bone tumor: Benign or malignant tumors occurring in the sternal body region can disrupt bone structure, making the bone fragile and prone to fracture. Benign tumors can be treated surgically by resection to restore skeletal integrity; malignant tumors require radical tumor surgery based on disease status, followed by adjuvant chemotherapy or radiotherapy as needed.

During recovery, maintaining balanced nutrition is essential. Consuming adequate protein- and calcium-rich foods helps support bone healing. Avoid actions that may strain the sternal body, such as severe coughing or deep breathing. Regular imaging follow-ups are necessary to monitor fracture healing progress and adjust the treatment plan accordingly.