[The foramen sternale: a minor anomaly--great relevance]

Evaluation of the incidence of a midline sternal foramen, as a developmental anomaly, in order to avoid fatal complications following sternal puncture of sternal acupuncture treatment.

100 chest computed tomograms were evaluated in reference to the incidence of this anomaly and its various features.

The variety of CT aspects ranged from very incomplete types with only sandglass-like retraction of sternal cortex, to a complete foraminal defect. The incidence of midline sternal foramen in a feature bearing a risk of complication, is approximately 6%.

We conclude that--if sternal acupuncture is planned in the region of corpus--previous radiographs should be done to rule out this anomaly. Furthermore, we strongly recommend the acupuncture technique of the "Wiener Schule", which prescribes a safe superficial-oblique approach to the sternum.