Anderson Injury Lawyers | March 27, 2025 | Personal Injury
Some people underestimate how surprisingly painful a fractured sternum can be. It’s usually caused by a hard blow to the chest, like in a car accident when the chest hits the steering wheel. This kind of break can make simple movements unbearable, and since the sternum helps to protect several vital organs, a fracture can lead to more than just discomfort.
Severe Pain
Perhaps the most obvious sign that your sternum could be fractured is the pain immediately after the impact. More specifically, it’s a sharp, stabbing pain that gets worse with movement, deep breathing, and just a little bit of pressure. The sternum sits at the center of the chest, so even slight movement can hurt terribly when it’s broken.
Chest Instability
A broken sternum can leave you feeling like your chest has lost its usual strength. Simply sitting or reaching for something can feel impossible. The sternum helps stabilize the ribcage, so everything around it becomes weaker when it’s broken.
The weakness can also affect the upper back and shoulders. Many people have trouble maintaining good posture and may catch themselves hunching forward because it’s the only position that relieves any of the pain.
Breathing Problems
Breathing can become difficult when you have a fractured sternum. Every inhale stretches the chest just a little bit, and that can be more than enough to make the injury flare up. People often have to take short, shallow breaths to avoid the pain, but that can leave them dizzy and lightheaded. If breathing becomes extremely difficult, it can be a sign of lung damage or another internal injury.
Sometimes, the pain gets so bad that it triggers panic attacks. The fear of breathing the wrong way or moving too much can create a cycle where the body can’t get enough oxygen. That just creates even more stress, which makes the anxiety worse.
Grinding Or Popping
A fractured sternum can create an unsettling popping or grinding sensation when the broken pieces shift against each other. Some people say it sounds like a clicking that happens every time they take a deep breath. It’s an indicator of a serious break that’ll likely need medical intervention to ensure proper healing.
Swelling And Bruising
The body responds to trauma by sending fluids to the injured area, creating a noticeable puffiness. Bruising may follow, turning the skin shades of purple, blue, and deep red.
Unfortunately, the sternum is close to major blood vessels, which means that internal bleeding can become a problem. In severe cases, the bruising can spread to the abdomen and is a sign of deeper damage.
Internal Injuries
The sternum sits close to the heart and lungs, so a fracture can sometimes create catastrophic injuries, particularly after more severe accidents like those involving commercial vehicles. Sharp bones can puncture the tissues around them and lead to complications like:
- Severe breathlessness
- Chest tightness that won’t go away
- Heart palpitations
- Coughing up blood
These symptoms warrant immediate attention. Even if the pain seems manageable, ignoring them can jeopardize a person’s life.
Recognize The Signs Early
A fractured sternum shouldn’t be taken lightly. If you have chest pain, it’s time to see a doctor about it. X-rays and CT scans may be needed to confirm how badly the bone is broken so your doctor can recommend the best source of treatment to protect your health.
Contact Our Personal Injury Law Firm in Texas
If you’ve been injured in an accident in Fort Worth or Dallas and need legal help, contact our personal injury lawyers at Anderson Injury Lawyers to schedule a free consultation. We proudly serve Tarrant County, Dallas County, and throughout Texas.
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office
1310 W El Paso St, Fort Worth, TX 76102
(817) 294-1900
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Fort Worth Office (Secondary)
6618 Fossil Bluff Dr # 108, Fort Worth, TX 76137
(817) 631-4113
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office
408 W Eighth St Suite 202, Dallas, TX 75208
(214) 327-8000
Anderson Injury Lawyers – Dallas Office (Secondary)
6301 Gaston Ave suite 820, Dallas, TX 75214
(469) 457-4711
