About Sternum Fracture
Key Highlights
-
Pulmonologist ensures optimal lung function and breathing mechanics during sternum healing.Expert management of associated chest trauma complications like pneumothorax or pulmonary contusion.Focus on preventing post-traumatic respiratory infections such as pneumonia.Guides personalized pulmonary rehabilitation to restore full lung capacity and strength.Provides comprehensive care that integrates bone healing with critical respiratory health.
Who is this surgery for?
- Diagnosis and management of a sternum fracture confirmed by imaging (X-ray, CT scan).
- Presence of respiratory symptoms like shortness of breath, chest pain with breathing, or coughing.
- Suspicion or confirmation of associated lung injuries (e.g., pneumothorax, hemothorax, pulmonary contusion).
- Need for specialized respiratory support or monitoring following thoracic trauma.
- Development of post-traumatic complications affecting breathing, such as atelectasis or pneumonia.
- Requirement for a pulmonary rehabilitation plan to aid in full functional recovery.
How to prepare
- Thorough clinical evaluation and review of chest imaging (X-ray, CT) to assess fracture and lung status.
- Assessment of breathing patterns, oxygen saturation levels, and lung sounds.
- Evaluation for any signs of respiratory distress or other internal injuries.
- Discussion of pain management strategies to facilitate deep breathing and coughing.
- Instruction on breathing exercises (incentive spirometry) to be initiated as soon as possible.
- Planning for potential respiratory support needs during the initial recovery phase.
Risks & possible complications
- Respiratory failure or insufficiency due to pain inhibiting deep breaths.
- Development of pneumonia or severe lung infection.
- Atelectasis (collapsed lung segments) from shallow breathing.
- Worsening of an associated pneumothorax (collapsed lung) or hemothorax (blood in chest cavity).
- Chronic pain or discomfort in the chest wall.
- Delayed healing or non-union of the fracture, though this is less common.
- Adverse reactions to medications used for pain or infection.
Recovery & hospital stay
- Initial focus is on aggressive pain control to enable deep breathing and effective coughing.
- Mandatory use of an incentive spirometer every hour while awake to keep lungs clear.
- Gradual introduction of gentle, prescribed breathing exercises and pulmonary rehabilitation.
- Avoidance of heavy lifting, pushing, pulling, or strenuous activity for several weeks.
- Sleeping propped up with pillows to reduce discomfort and ease breathing.
- Follow-up appointments for repeat imaging and assessment of lung function and fracture healing.
- Gradual return to normal activities as pain subsides and healing progresses, guided by the pulmonologist and surgeon.
-
Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
-
Expected recovery time: 6-12 weeks
Frequently Asked Questions
If you are considering sternum fracture in India, these questions and answers can help you make a confident, informed decision.
Popular choices for sternum fracture in India include Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Manipal Hospital Varthur Road, Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, known for experienced specialists and advanced surgical infrastructure.
Look at the doctor’s years of experience, hospital association, patient reviews, and how often they perform sternum fracture. MediFyr helps you compare pulmonologists and book consultations online.
The overall cost depends on hospital category, surgeon’s experience, room type, implant or device used (if any), length of stay, tests, and post-operative care. Our team can help you get cost estimates from multiple hospitals before you decide.
Procedure cost in other countries
Here is an overview of how the estimated cost, hospital stay, and recovery time for sternum fracture compare across other countries where we have data.
Top hospitals for Sternum Fracture in India
These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing sternum fracture.
David Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school...
David Bhatia, a 58-year-old retired school principal and avid cyclist, was enjoying his active retirement when a sudden collision with a car door during his morning ride sent him over his handlebars. He landed hard on his chest. In the ER, he was diagnosed with a displaced sternum fracture. While the pain was severe, his primary concern was a persistent, sharp pain with every deep breath and a worrying, dry cough. His pulmonologist, Dr. Evans, explained that the jagged bone ends were irritating his pleura (the lining of his lungs), causing pleuritic pain and the cough, and posing a risk of a pneumothorax (collapsed lung). David was terrified that his active lifestyle was over. The treatment involved surgical fixation, a sternal plating procedure to realign and stabilize the bone. The surgery was successful. Post-op, with the bone securely fixed, his breathing pain vanished almost immediately. Guided by pulmonary rehab, he slowly rebuilt his lung capacity and strength. Six months later, he was back on his bike, though more cautiously. His emotional journey shifted from fear of permanent disability to immense gratitude for a full recovery and a renewed appreciation for his health.
Pulmonologists for Sternum Fracture
Explore experienced pulmonologists who regularly perform sternum fracture and provide pre- and post-operative care in India.
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 23 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Miot Hospital Chennai, Chennai
- 24 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 22 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 20 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Artemis Hospital Gurgaon, Gurgaon
- 35 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 33 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, King Koti, Hyderabad
- 32 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 11, Noida
- 29 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
- 26 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Old Airport Road, Bangalore
- 25 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 15 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada
- 14 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 12 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 8 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Manipal Hospital Bhubaneswar, Bhubaneshwar
- 7 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Metro Hospital, Sector 12, Noida
- 6 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital LB Nagar, Hyderabad
- 4 Years Experience
- Pulmonologist
Kamineni Hospital, Tadigadapa, vijayawada