Anatomical Sciences Journal

en STERNAL FORAMEN: A COMMON ANATOMICAL VARIATION WITH GREAT RELEVANCE TO VITAL STRUCTURES OF THE THORAX Sternal Foramen: A Common Anatomical Variation With Clinical Relevance to Vital Thoracic Structures Morphometry Morphometry Original Original Introduction: Sternal foramen is a congenital defect found in the body of the sternum which results from incomplete fusion of its ossification centres. Aim of the study: <a name="_Hlk113815926">The aim of the present study is to report the occurrence and prevalence of sternal foramen in the total number of bones at a particular year.</a> Materials and methods: The present study was designed as a descriptive study. A total of 100 sternum were collected from department of anatomy, Panimalar medical college, hospital and research institute in the year 2021 to 2022. The occurrence of sternal foramen was observed by two investigators based on the criteria that a fully complete foramen is present. The foramen was measured using vernier calliper. Results: <a name="_Hlk108417055">out of 100 sternums only one sternum showed sternal foramen. The foramen was oval in shape. It measures about length(L1)-8.86mm and width(W1)-9.45mm. It is found in the lower 1/3rd of the body of sternum. Its distance from sternal angle(D1) was 68.51mm and from lower end of sternum(D2) was 13.13mm.</a> Conclusion: <a name="_Hlk111805217">Sternal foramen is subclinical, but its close vicinity to the thoracic organs like the heart and lungs may have a risk of serious complications from blinded sternal interventions. Moreover, its presence can lead to misinterpretation of radiological findings. Hence the anatomical variation of Sternal foramen should not be ignored by physicians and non-physician healthcare providers in order to optimize clinical complications.</a>   <div style="text-align: justify;">Introduction: The sternal foramen is a congenital defect found in the body of the sternum, resulting from incomplete fusion of its ossification centers. The aim of the present study was to report the occurrence and prevalence of the sternal foramen.  Methods: This descriptive study analyzed 100 sternums collected from the Department of Anatomy, Panimalar Medical College, Hospital, and Research Institute between April 2021 and April 2022. The presence of a fully formed sternal foramen was assessed by two independent investigators. Damaged or incomplete specimens were excluded. The foramen was measured using a vernier caliper. Results: Among 100 sternums, 10% exhibited a sternal foramen. The foramen was oval, measuring 8.86 mm in length and 9.45 mm in width. It was located in the lower third of the sternum, with a distance of 68.51 mm from the sternal angle and 13.13 mm from the lower end of the sternum.    Conclusion: Although often asymptomatic, the sternal foramen is in close proximity to vital thoracic structures, posing a risk for complications during sternal procedures. Additionally, it may be misinterpreted in radiological imaging. Awareness of this anatomical variation is essential for clinicians to minimize potential complications.</div> Manubrium sterni, Body of sternum, Xiphoid process, Sternal foramen, Sternebrae. Manubrium sterni, Body of sternum, Xiphoid process, Sternal foramen, Sternebrae, Perforated sternum. 63 66 http://anatomyjournal.ir/browse.php?a_code=A-10-398-1&slc_lang=en&sid=1 Priya G priyag140279@gmail.com 10031947532846007714 10031947532846007714 Yes Panimalar Medical College, Hospital & Research Institute, Chennai, India.