Frequency and Morphometry of the Sternal Foramen

INTRODUCTION: The sternal foramen is a defect associated with incomplete fusion of neonatal sternal cartilage. These variations are frequently observed and usually asymptomatic. The clinical importance of sternal foramen is that if its existence is unknown, can complicate invasive procedures and be confused with pathologies.
METHODS: Computed Tomography images of 500 patients were analyzed retrospectively. The sternal foramen's diameters were measured and adjacent organs were recognized. The foramen's distance from the sternum's upper and lower edges, midline, xiphoid's lowest point, and incisura jugularis were measured.
RESULTS: 54 foramen sternales were detected in 48(9.6%) patients. When the organs adjacent to foramen sternale were examined, 36(67%) heart, 7(13%) lungs, 5(9%) liver, 2(4%) diaphragm, 1(2%) stomach, 3(5%) were both heart and lung. The mean distance of the highest point of foramen from the midsagittal line to incisura jugularis was 157.6±23.9 mm in men and 119.9±15.51 mm in women. There was a statistically significant difference (p<0.001). The position of 38 male patients’ foramen with respect to the line connecting nipples was investigated, and it was determined that the highest point of foramen was on the line in 1 patient and below in 37 patients.
DISCUSSION AND CONCLUSION: Although the sternal foramen is an asymptomatic defect, it can confused with pathologies and may cause life-threatening complications during invasive procedures. Relevant physicians and specialists should keep in mind the presence of sternal foramen.