Sternal Injuries in Sport: A Review of the Literature

Area of Science:

• Sports Medicine
• Orthopedic Surgery
• Trauma Surgery

Background:

• Sternal injuries, including fractures, have been documented since the 19th century, primarily in trauma literature.
• There is a notable lack of research specifically addressing sternal injuries within the athletic population.
• Sternal injuries encompass disruptions of the sternum (body, manubrium, xiphoid process) and associated joints.

Purpose of the Study:

• To review the existing literature on sternal injuries.
• To emphasize sport-specific pathology, management strategies, and return-to-play considerations for athletes.
• To highlight the importance of evaluating potential cardiothoracic complications in athletes with sternal injuries.

Main Methods:

• Comprehensive literature review of sternal injuries.
• Focus on studies relevant to athletic populations and sports-related trauma.
• Analysis of diagnostic and management approaches, including return-to-play protocols.

Main Results:

• Sternal injuries in athletes, while uncommon, necessitate thorough assessment due to potential cardiac and thoracic complications.
• Return-to-play decisions must be tailored to the individual athlete, considering injury specifics, clinical findings, and sport demands.
• Current literature provides limited sport-specific guidance, underscoring the need for individualized care.

Conclusions:

• Sternal injuries in athletes require a multidisciplinary approach, integrating clinical evaluation with sport-specific demands.
• Individualized return-to-play protocols are crucial for safe and effective athlete rehabilitation after sternal injury.
• Further research is warranted to establish evidence-based guidelines for managing sternal injuries in sports.