Learn about Sternum Fracture Treatment in India — how it works, who it is for, recovery timelines, and what to expect before and after surgery. Compare hospitals and doctors experienced in Sternum Fracture and request assistance for cost estimates or appointments.

About Sternum Fracture

A sternum fracture, commonly known as a broken breastbone, is a serious injury often resulting from high-impact trauma like car accidents. While primarily managed by trauma surgeons or cardiothoracic surgeons, a pulmonologist plays a critical role in the comprehensive care of this condition. Their expertise is vital because the sternum protects vital thoracic organs, including the lungs and heart. A pulmonologist focuses on ensuring optimal respiratory function during recovery, managing potential complications like pulmonary contusions, pneumothorax, or atelectasis, and guiding pulmonary rehabilitation to restore full lung capacity and prevent pneumonia. Their involvement is key to a holistic recovery that prioritizes breathing mechanics and overall thoracic health.

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.
  • checked Typical hospital stay: 3-7 days
  • checked 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.

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.

Country Estimated cost range Typical stay Recovery time View details
India USD 552 – USD 2,758 3-7 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More
Turkey USD 4,098 – USD 20,489 3-7 days ~ 6-12 weeks Know More

Top hospitals for Sternum Fracture in India

These partner hospitals in India have dedicated pulmonology teams and experience managing patients undergoing sternum fracture.

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3363+ Rating

Kamineni Hospital, King Koti

  • IconHyderabad, India
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1610+ Rating

Manipal Hospital Varthur Road

  • IconBangalore, India
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1161+ Rating

Artemis Hospital Gurgaon

  • IconGurgaon, India
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PATIENT REVIEW

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.

Dr. Divya Shree J
  • 3 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Pooja Bajaj
  • 14 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kanakapura Road, Bangalore

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Dr. K Thiruppathi
  • Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist

MediFyr Plus SIMS Hospital Vadapalani, Chennai

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Dr. Vaibhav Pandharkar
  • 20 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. RC Sahoo
  • 45 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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Dr. Milind Kulkarni
  • 22 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 550
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Kharadi, Pune

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Dr. Raghu B Puttaswamy
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 750
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Jayanagar, Bangalore

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Dr. Mohammed Attaullah Khan S
  • 23 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 1200
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Hebbal, Bangalore

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Dr. Mini Garg
  • 9 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 500
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Sarjapur Road, Bangalore

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Dr. Rajender Saini
  • 13 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 800
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus Manipal Hospital Ghaziabad, Ghaziabad

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Dr. Vishak Acharya
  • 25 Years Experience
  • Pulmonologist
Speaks: English, Hindi
Consult Charge ₹ 400
Available Tomorrow
December: 08:00 AM - 08:00 PM

MediFyr Plus KMC Hospital Mangalore, Mangalore

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