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Development and morphology of the sternal foramen
P D Cooper1, J H Stewart, W F McCormick
1Department of Anthropology, Appalachian State University, Boone, North Carolina.
The American Journal of Forensic Medicine and Pathology
|December 1, 1988
Summary
Sternal foramina, or bony defects in the sternum, occur in 6.7% of people. These commonly solitary defects, usually in the sternum body, can also be multiple or in the manubrium, and are due to incomplete bone fusion.
Area of Science:
- Anatomy
- Osteology
- Human Morphology
Background:
- Bony defects, known as sternal foramina, are observed in the sternum.
- These anatomical variations can be mistaken for acquired lesions.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report the prevalence and characteristics of sternal foramina in a contemporary autopsy population.
- To describe the first documented cases of multiple mesosternal foramina and a manubrial foramen.
Main Methods:
- Analysis of autopsy data from a large contemporary population.
- Identification and documentation of sternal bony defects.
Main Results:
- Sternal foramina were identified in 6.7% of the autopsy population.
- Defects were typically solitary and located in the body of the sternum.
- Multiple mesosternal foramina and a manubrial foramen were observed, representing novel findings.
Conclusions:
- Sternal foramina result from incomplete fusion of sternal ossification centers.
- The presence of multiple mesosternal and manubrial foramina is reported for the first time.
- Understanding sternal foramina is crucial to avoid misinterpretation as pathological or traumatic injuries.