A Study Of Sternal Foramen In Saurashtra Region: Its Embryological Basis And Clinical Significance

A Study Of Sternal Foramen In Saurashtra Region

Abstract

Background: Background: The sternal foramen is a well-known variant of the sternum that carries the risk of life-threatening complications like pneumothorax, injury to vital structures like pericardial and cardiac puncture during acupuncture. The aim of the study was undertaken to evaluate the incidence of anatomical and congenital variations of human dry sternum bones. Methods: The present study was carried out on 105 dry human sternum bones irrespective of age & sex at Shri M.P.Shah Government medical college,Jamnagar,Gujarat,India. All the sternum bones were macroscopically inspected for the anatomical and congenital variations of human dry sternum bones. Photographs of the anatomical and congenital variations were taken for proper documentation. Results: Complete sternal foramina in the body of the sternum were noted in 4 bones, with an average vertical diameter of 4mm and transverse diameter of 3mm. Conclusion: The sternal foramen is usually asymptomatic found incidentally on chest X-ray. Hence this variation should keep in mind while performing invasive procedures like sternal puncture for bone marrow aspiration to prevent life-threatening complications. [Thummar B Natl J Integr Res Med, 2019; 10(2):55-57]