Understanding a Fractured Sternum (Chest Bone Injury)

A fractured sternum involves a break in the flat bone located in the centre of the chest. The sternum connects to the rib cage and serves as an attachment point for major chest muscles. These fractures commonly result from vehicle collisions, but they can also occur during contact sports (e.g., hockey, football) or even during chest compressions in CPR.

Workplace & Canadian First Aid Relevance

Chest injuries can affect breathing, mobility, and return-to-work timelines. In Canadian workplaces—especially those with physical tasks, vehicle operation, or sports programmes—awareness of chest trauma symptoms and early first aid can support safer outcomes and timely medical assessment.

Scenario

During a recreational hockey game, a player was checked into the boards and developed sharp chest pain and difficulty taking deep breaths. Teammates helped him off the ice, encouraged him to remain still, and monitored symptoms while calling for medical assessment. Later imaging confirmed a fractured sternum, and he followed recovery guidance before returning to sport.

Signs & Symptoms

A fractured sternum may present with:

Local chest pain, especially when pressing on the bone
Pain with deep breathing, coughing, or movement
Bruising and visible swelling
Stiffness or soreness in the surrounding chest and shoulder muscles
Shallow breathing due to discomfort

Because the sternum is connected to ribs, cartilage, and nearby organs, sternum injuries can sometimes accompany other trauma.

Causes & Mechanisms

Common mechanisms include:

Sudden high-impact collision (e.g., motor vehicle crash)
Contact sports (hockey, football)
Falls onto the chest
Compression during CPR
Less commonly, repetitive strain from forceful movements

First Aid & Early Management (General Awareness)

Immediate measures focus on comfort and monitoring while awaiting medical care:

Encourage rest and limited upper-body movement
Avoid pushing, pulling, or lifting
Apply covered cold packs (e.g., towel-wrapped ice) for short intervals to help with swelling
Encourage gentle, shallow breathing until medically assessed

In workplaces or public settings, individuals with chest trauma should be assessed to rule out complications.

Medical Assessment

Doctors may use imaging to check for:

Bone displacement
Associated rib injury
Lung involvement
Cardiac irritation
Internal bleeding or other complications

Severely displaced fractures may require surgical management, although many recover with rest and monitored activity.

Rehabilitation & Recovery

After diagnosis, rehabilitation aims to restore chest mobility and breathing patterns:

Breathing & Range of Motion

Gentle breathing exercises may help:

Prevent stiffness of the chest wall
Support lung function
Reduce discomfort with respiration

Light shoulder and arm movements may be introduced gradually to prevent post-injury stiffness.

Strengthening

Once pain decreases, programmed strengthening may include:

Wall push-ups
Modified floor push-ups
Progressive return to normal movement

These exercises are typically guided by healthcare professionals to avoid re-injury.

Prevention & Workplace Considerations

Use proper protective equipment in sports and industrial settings
Encourage safe driving and seatbelt use
Support graduated return-to-work plans after injury
Avoid heavy lifting until cleared by a healthcare professional

FAQ

Can a fractured sternum affect breathing?
It can be uncomfortable to take deep breaths, causing shallow breathing or stiffness while healing.

How long does recovery usually take?
Healing times vary but often take several weeks, depending on the injury severity and associated conditions.

Does every sternal fracture require surgery?
Most do not. Surgery may be recommended for displaced fractures or associated complications.

Can sports or work resume after a fractured sternum?
Return depends on healing, pain levels, and medical clearance. High-impact activities may require more recovery time.

Educational Note

This information is for public awareness and first aid education. Individuals with suspected chest injuries should seek medical assessment for proper diagnosis and care planning.