Sternum X-Ray: Decoding the Results & What They Reveal

Understanding Your Sternum X-Ray Results

A sternum x-ray, often referred to simply as a sternum x-ray, is a quick and painless imaging test used to visualize the breastbone (sternum) and surrounding tissues. If you’ve recently had one, you’re likely looking for information to help you understand the results and what they might mean for your health. This guide aims to provide that clarity in a way that’s easy to understand.

Why Was a Sternum X-Ray Ordered?

It’s helpful to first understand the reasons why your doctor might have requested a sternum x-ray in the first place. Knowing this can put the results into context.

• Trauma: The most common reason is to evaluate for fractures or dislocations following an injury to the chest area, like after a fall or car accident.
• Pain: If you are experiencing persistent chest pain specifically focused on the area of the sternum, an x-ray can help determine the cause.
• Inflammation: Suspected inflammation of the sternum, such as in conditions like costochondritis (inflammation of the cartilage connecting ribs to the sternum), might warrant an x-ray.
• Other Medical Conditions: In some cases, a sternum x-ray might be used to assess the effects of other medical conditions on the bone, such as arthritis or tumors.
• Pre-Operative Assessment: Occasionally, it can be used as part of pre-operative assessments prior to certain chest surgeries.

What the Radiologist Looks For: Decoding the Results

The radiologist, a doctor specializing in interpreting medical images, will analyze the sternum x-ray and generate a report for your doctor. Here’s what they’re looking for:

• Fractures: This is the most common concern. Radiologists will meticulously examine the x-ray for any breaks or cracks in the sternum. The report will note the location, type (e.g., simple, comminuted), and displacement (if any) of the fracture.
  • Types of Fractures:
    1. Simple Fracture: A single break line.
    2. Comminuted Fracture: The bone is broken into multiple fragments.
    3. Displaced Fracture: The broken ends of the bone are not aligned.
• Dislocations: While less common, dislocations of the sternum or the joints connecting the ribs to the sternum (costosternal joints) are also evaluated.
• Bone Abnormalities: The radiologist will also look for any unusual bone growths, lesions, or signs of bone diseases.
• Signs of Infection: While not ideal for detecting soft tissue infections, sometimes subtle bone changes can suggest an underlying infection (osteomyelitis).
• Tumors: Though not the primary diagnostic tool for tumors, a sternum x-ray can sometimes reveal suspicious masses or areas of bone destruction that could indicate a tumor. Further imaging (like a CT scan or MRI) would then be necessary.

Example of a Radiologist Report Excerpt

Finding	Description	Possible Interpretation
Sternum Fracture	"Linear fracture identified in the mid-body of the sternum, non-displaced."	Likely due to recent trauma.
No other findings	"No other fractures, dislocations, or bone abnormalities identified. Lungs and surrounding soft tissues appear normal."	Rules out other significant issues.
Mild Osteoarthritis	"Mild degenerative changes noted at the manubriosternal joint."	Age-related changes, potentially minor.

Understanding Key Terms in Your Report

Medical reports can be filled with unfamiliar terms. Here’s a breakdown of some common terms you might encounter related to your sternum x-ray:

• Manubrium: The upper portion of the sternum.
• Body: The main, central part of the sternum.
• Xiphoid Process: The small, cartilaginous lower tip of the sternum.
• Costosternal Joints: The joints where the ribs connect to the sternum.
• Non-Displaced Fracture: The broken ends of the bone are still aligned.
• Attenuation: Describes how much radiation is absorbed by the tissue. Higher attenuation means more radiation is absorbed, indicating denser tissue (like bone).
• Lucency: An area that appears darker on the x-ray, suggesting a lower density than surrounding tissue. This can sometimes indicate a fracture or lesion.

What Happens After the X-Ray? Next Steps

After the radiologist reviews your sternum x-ray, they will send a report to your doctor. Your doctor will then discuss the results with you and explain what they mean for your specific situation.

• Normal Results: If the x-ray shows no abnormalities, your doctor may recommend pain management strategies, physical therapy, or further investigation if your symptoms persist.
• Fracture or Dislocation: Treatment will depend on the severity of the injury. It may involve pain medication, immobilization with a brace or sling, and in some cases, surgery.
• Other Abnormalities: If other issues are identified (such as a tumor or infection), your doctor will order further tests to confirm the diagnosis and develop an appropriate treatment plan. These may include blood tests, bone scans, CT scans, or MRIs.

It’s important to remember that the sternum x-ray is just one piece of the puzzle. Your doctor will consider the x-ray results in conjunction with your symptoms, medical history, and physical examination to make an accurate diagnosis and recommend the best course of treatment. Don’t hesitate to ask your doctor any questions you have about your results or treatment plan.

So, that’s the lowdown on decoding your sternum x ray results! Hopefully, you’re feeling a bit more clued-up now. If you’ve still got questions, don’t hesitate to chat with your doc—they’re the best source of info when it comes to your specific sternum x ray and what it all means for you.