The sternal foramen - a small anomaly of clinical relevance that can mimic traumatic complications

Abstract

Sternal foramens are developmental defects on the medium line of the sternum due to incomplete fusion of its ossification centers. Its prevalence varies from 4.3 to 18.3%, and because of its location, most of the time, on the inferior third of the body, it predisposes risk of fatal complications during sternal puncture or bone marrow biopsy. It was observed on an adult sternal bone, without sex or age identification, a semi-elliptical foramen located on the inferior third of the body, on the level of the fifth notch of the costochondral junction, whose length and width were of 8,0 mm and 10,0 mm, respectively. The knowledge of this foramen is of great importance to health professionals, especially on the execution of sternal procedures, since its presence can lead to complications during the acupuncture practice and on bone marrow sternal punctures, as well as to prevent radiological and pathological misinterpretations, so, in that way, patient care can be improved.