A fractured sternum, or broken breastbone, is a serious injury. It is most often caused by a high-impact blow to the chest, such as a car accident or a hard fall. The treatment focuses on pain relief and letting the bone heal naturally. Unlike a broken arm, you cannot put a cast on your chest, so the primary methods involve medication, breathing exercises, and careful movement. Here is how a fractured sternum is treated and what recovery looks like.
What Exactly Is a Fractured Sternum?
The sternum is the flat bone in the center of your chest. It connects to your ribs on both sides and helps protect your heart and lungs. A fracture is a break in this bone. It can be a small crack or a complete break.
This injury is not like a broken finger. The chest moves every time you breathe. This constant motion makes the fracture painful and makes healing a slower process. In most cases, the bone is not displaced, meaning the pieces stay in their proper place. This type of fracture usually heals without surgery.
What Are the Most Common Causes?
Blunt force trauma is the main cause. The most common scenario is a motor vehicle accident where the chest hits the steering wheel. Falls from significant heights are another cause.
Less often, a sternum fracture can happen from a direct blow during contact sports. In older adults with weaker bones, a simple fall might cause this injury. Cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) can also cause a sternal fracture. This is a known risk of chest compressions, even when performed correctly.
How To Treat A Fractured Sternum: The Core Methods
The standard treatment for a simple, non-displaced fracture is conservative management. This means no surgery. The goal is to control pain so you can breathe deeply and move safely.
Pain Management is the most critical part. Your doctor will likely recommend a combination of over-the-counter pain relievers and prescription medication. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen reduce pain and swelling. For severe pain, a doctor may prescribe stronger opioids for a short period. Never take more than the recommended dose.
Breathing Exercises are essential. Because it hurts to take a deep breath, people often take shallow breaths. This can lead to lung complications like pneumonia. Your doctor may give you an incentive spirometer, a device that encourages you to take slow, deep breaths. You should use it several times a day to keep your lungs clear.
Ice Therapy helps reduce swelling in the first few days. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth to the area for 15–20 minutes at a time. Do not place ice directly on the skin.
Rest and Movement are a balancing act. You need to rest to allow the bone to heal. However, you also need to move gently to prevent stiffness. Avoid lifting anything heavy, pushing, or pulling. Your doctor will tell you when it is safe to resume normal activities. This usually takes several weeks.
Surgery is rarely needed. It is reserved for cases where the bone is severely displaced, meaning the broken ends do not line up. Surgery may also be necessary if the fracture is unstable or if other injuries in the chest need repair. During surgery, a surgeon uses plates and screws to hold the bone together.
What Does the Recovery Timeline Look Like?
Healing takes time. The sternum is a thick bone, and it heals slowly. Most people feel significant improvement after 6 weeks. Full healing typically takes 8 to 12 weeks.
You will notice that the sharp pain fades over time. However, you may feel discomfort or a dull ache for months. It is common to feel the area “click” or “pop” as you move. This is often the cartilage moving, but you should mention it to your doctor if it is painful.
During the first few weeks, you will need help with daily tasks. You cannot lift more than a few pounds. This means no carrying groceries, no lifting children, and no pushing heavy doors. Plan ahead for this period of limited mobility.
What Are the Signs of Dangerous Complications?
This injury requires immediate medical attention. Do not try to diagnose it yourself. If you have chest pain after trauma, go to the emergency room.
The most serious complication is damage to the organs behind the bone. The heart, lungs, and major blood vessels sit right behind the sternum. A fracture can bruise the heart muscle or cause a lung to collapse. This is why a doctor will do imaging tests like X-rays or CT scans to check for internal injuries.
You should seek urgent care if you experience:
- Shortness of breath that gets worse
- Difficulty breathing
- Coughing up blood
- Fever or chills
- Severe pain that medication does not help
These symptoms can indicate pneumonia, a lung injury, or an infection. Do not wait to see if they go away. Call your doctor or go to urgent care immediately.
How Should You Sleep and Move During Recovery?
Sleeping flat on your back can be painful. Many people find it easier to sleep propped up on pillows. This position reduces pressure on the chest and makes breathing easier.
When getting out of bed, roll onto your side first. Use your arms to push yourself up slowly. Do not use your chest muscles to sit up. This “log roll” technique reduces strain on the fracture.
Sneezing and coughing will hurt. Hold a pillow firmly against your chest when you feel a cough or sneeze coming on. This splinting technique supports the chest and reduces pain.
Constipation is a common side effect. This is due to the pain medications and reduced activity. Drink plenty of water and eat high-fiber foods to keep your digestive system moving.
When Can You Return to Work and Exercise?
This depends on your job. If you have a desk job, you may return to work within a week or two. If your job involves physical labor, you will need to wait until the bone has healed, usually at least 12 weeks.
You should not drive while you are taking prescription pain medication. These drugs can slow your reaction time. Even without medication, driving can be dangerous because turning the steering wheel pulls on the chest muscles. Ask your doctor when it is safe to drive again.
Exercise must be gradual. Walking is encouraged because it keeps blood flowing and prevents blood clots. However, you must avoid running, jumping, or any activity that jolts the chest. You cannot lift weights or do push-ups until your doctor clears you. Returning to contact sports requires full healing and a doctor’s approval.
What Happens With a Broken Sternum in Older Adults?
Age changes the recovery process. Older adults often have lower bone density, which means the fracture may take longer to heal. They are also at higher risk for complications like pneumonia because of reduced lung capacity.
In this age group, physical therapy is often recommended. A physical therapist can teach safe exercises to maintain strength without putting stress on the chest. The focus is on preserving mobility and preventing muscle loss during the recovery period.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a fractured sternum take to heal?
Most fractures heal in 8 to 12 weeks. You will likely feel significant improvement after 6 weeks, but full bone healing takes about three months.
Can a fractured sternum heal on its own?
Yes, most non-displaced fractures heal without surgery. The treatment is pain management and breathing exercises while the bone knits back together.
Is a fractured sternum a life-threatening injury?
It can be. The danger comes from damage to the heart, lungs, or major blood vessels behind the bone. This is why any chest trauma requires immediate medical evaluation.
What pain medication is best for a broken sternum?
Doctors often recommend NSAIDs like ibuprofen for pain and swelling. For severe pain, a short course of prescription opioids may be necessary. Follow your doctor’s dosing instructions exactly.
Recovering from a fractured sternum is a slow process. The treatment is straightforward: control pain, protect the chest, and let time do the work. The most important thing you can do is follow your doctor’s instructions, keep your lungs clear with deep breathing, and be patient with your body. Do not rush back to activity. The bone needs time to heal properly, and pushing too hard too soon can cause setbacks.
