| What We Treat
Sternal Fracture
Painful, alarming, and in isolation usually far less serious than it feels. Breathing well while it heals is what prevents complications.
Overview
What It Is
A sternal fracture involves the breastbone, most often following a seatbelt injury in a road traffic collision or a direct blow. Isolated sternal fractures in otherwise well patients generally heal without intervention. The main risks come from associated injuries and from breathing shallowly to avoid pain, which raises the risk of chest infection.
The Breastbone
Most often a seatbelt injury. Isolated fractures in otherwise well patients heal without intervention over six to twelve weeks.
Symptoms
How It Tends to Feel
These are the features that point towards this diagnosis rather than another:
Central Chest Pain
Localised over the breastbone, and tender to press.
Worse on Deep Breathing
And on coughing, laughing or sneezing.
Pain Rolling in Bed
And getting up from lying, which is often the worst movement.
Visible Bruising
Frequently in a seatbelt pattern.
Shallow Breathing
Adopted to avoid pain, and the main source of complications.
Pain on Arm Use
Particularly pushing and reaching.
Causes & Risk Factors
What Drives It
The usual contributors, in rough order of how often they turn out to matter:
Seatbelt Injury
The commonest mechanism in road traffic collisions.
Direct Blow
Contact sport, or a fall onto the chest.
Osteoporosis
Lower-energy fractures in older adults, sometimes with minimal trauma.
Insufficiency Fracture
Rarely, in the context of steroid use or bone disease.
How We Can Help You
Treatment & Management
Treatment is built around what the assessment finds, but generally follows this shape:
When to Seek Help
Red Flags — Don’t Ignore These
Most presentations are straightforward. These features are the exceptions, and warrant prompt assessment:
⚠ Seek Medical Advice If You Notice
- Breathlessness, palpitations or chest tightness — seek emergency assessment
- Coughing blood, or a productive cough with fever
- Increasing rather than decreasing pain after the first fortnight
- Any deformity or grinding sensation over the breastbone
If any of these apply, contact your GP or seek urgent medical care rather than waiting for a physiotherapy appointment.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need surgery?
Very rarely. Almost all isolated sternal fractures heal without fixation, over six to twelve weeks.
Why do I need breathing exercises?
Because pain makes people breathe shallowly, and that leads to chest infection. Regular deep breaths with a supported cough are genuinely protective.
When can I lift again?
Light activity within a few weeks, heavier lifting usually around eight to twelve weeks as pain settles.
Not Sure If This Is What You Have?
An assessment will tell you what is actually going on and what to do about it. I see everyone myself, and you will leave with a plan rather than a leaflet.
Book Your Initial AssessmentThis page is for general information only and isn’t a substitute for individual medical advice. If you’re experiencing any of the warning signs above, contact your GP or seek emergency medical care as appropriate.