Fractured Body of the Breastbone, Anterior View

Description

Anterior thoracic anatomy is centered on the sternum, with the manubrium superiorly, the sternal body (gladiolus) extending inferiorly in the midline, and the xiphoid process forming the most inferior segment. A transverse fracture line is demonstrated within the body of the sternum, positioned just inferior to the sternal angle (Angle of Louis) where the manubriosternal junction sits. Costal notches along the lateral margins indicate the articulations for the costal cartilages, helping you orient the fracture relative to the attachment sites for ribs 2 through 7. Displacement, if present, would be appreciated in the anterior plane as a step-off across the sternal cortex. Sternal body fractures most often follow blunt anterior chest trauma, classically a deceleration injury from a seatbelt or impact with a steering wheel, and they also occur iatrogenically after vigorous cardiopulmonary resuscitation. That location matters because the sternal angle is a landmark for the second costal cartilage and the T4 to T5 intervertebral level, so a fracture just inferior to it sits near the pericardium and anterior mediastinum and should raise concern for associated injuries (myocardial contusion, great vessel trauma, retrosternal hematoma). Painful respiration and focal tenderness can mask more serious pathology. CT and a lateral chest radiograph correlate well with the fracture morphology shown here. Use this anterior view in trauma teaching modules, radiology correlation figures, and anatomy instruction when you need a clean demonstration of sternum segmentation (manubrium, body, xiphoid) plus a clinically realistic fracture pattern. It also fits well in emergency medicine and cardiothoracic surgery materials discussing chest wall stability, mediastinal risk assessment, and post-CPR complications. Anatomical accuracy verified by SciePro's Medical Advisory Board.