What serious injury is commonly associated with a sternal fracture or dislocation?

A sternal fracture or dislocation frequently leads to a myocardial contusion, which is an injury to the heart muscle due to the impact that caused the fracture. The sternum serves as a protective barrier for the heart located just behind it; thus, any significant trauma to the chest can directly affect the heart.

A myocardial contusion can result in bleeding and bruising of the heart muscle, potentially causing arrhythmias, decreased cardiac output, and other serious complications. This injury is particularly important to recognize in the context of thoracic trauma, as prompt identification and monitoring can be crucial for patient management.

While other injuries, such as pulmonary contusion, cardiac rupture, or pericardial tamponade, can also occur with chest trauma, they are less directly linked to the mechanism of injury associated with sternal fractures. Understanding the implications of a sternal fracture helps healthcare providers anticipate and address potential complications like myocardial contusion effectively.