How to Care for a Nondisplaced Sternal Fracture

The hard bone in the center of the chest is the sternum. It sits over the heart and lungs and helps protect the organs from injury. The ribs are connected to the sternum, providing a stable structure for the upper part of your skeleton. Sternal fractures, while not common, typically occur because of an automobile or sporting accident. If the parts of the bone remain aligned, it is called a nondisplaced fracture.

Things You'll Need

• Anti-inflammatory medicine
• Pain medicine
• Ice pack

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Instructions

• 1

  Take anti-inflammatory medications. This will help reduce swelling in the area.

• 2

  Take medication for the pain. If over-the-counter medication does not help you, ask your doctor for a prescription for a stronger pain medication. Take as little pain medicine as possible and for as short a time as possible. Pain medication should be used only to allow you to get through your normal daily activities.

• 3

  Rest for the first 24 to 48 hours, based upon your doctors advice. Your doctor might also suggest using ice on the area to help keep the swelling down.

• 4

  Limit your movements, particularly side-to-side and twisting motions. If at all possible, when you travel by car, sit in the back seat. In the front you will have the seat belt over your chest, and it will exert pressure on your sternum in a sudden stop. Avoid contact sports until you receive approval from your doctor.

• 5

  Help your bones heal and stay strong by eating foods rich in calcium. (See Resource 1). Calcium can be found in dairy products, in vegetables such as broccoli and Brussels sprouts, and fish such as salmon and sardines.