Sternal Foramen

Description

Illustration of sternal and xiphoid foramen

Name

• Sternal Foramen
• Perforated Foramen

General

• Developmental variant of the sternum resulting in incomplete fusion of the ossification centers
• The size can vary from 2 to 16 mm although the defect is typically not palpable
• Vast majority are asymptomatic and incidental findings on CT
• Typically found in the inferior portion of the sternal body

Epidemiology

• Common, seen in approximately 5% of the population

Xiphoid Foramen

• Can also occur
• Of uncertain/ lesser clinical significance

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Clinical Significance

Surgical/ Procedural Considerations

• Blind interventions such as biopsy or acupuncture could puncture the retrosternal mediastinum
• Can also be misdiagnosed as a sternal fracture or gunshot wound

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See Also

Accessory Bones Main Thoracic Anatomy Main Radiology Main

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