Sternal foramina: incidence in Greek population, anatomy and clinical considerations.
Τίτλος | Sternal foramina: incidence in Greek population, anatomy and clinical considerations. |
Publication Type | Journal Article |
Year of Publication | 2015 |
Authors | Paraskevas, G., Tzika M., Anastasopoulos N., Kitsoulis P., Sofidis G., & Natsis K. |
Journal | Surg Radiol Anat |
Volume | 37 |
Issue | 7 |
Pagination | 845-51 |
Date Published | 2015 Sep |
ISSN | 1279-8517 |
Abstract | PURPOSE: Sternal foramina represent developmental defects in the sternum, which occur due to incomplete fusion of the sternal ossification centers. Sternal foramina have been correlated with several clinical implications and constitute a subject of interest for the forensic practice. The aim of this study is to define their incidence in Greek population.METHODS: The presence of midline foramen was studied in 60 dried, adult sterna derived from the Anatomy Department of Medical School of Aristotle University of Thessaloniki. Measurements were made with a 0.01-mm accuracy caliber and photographic documentation was obtained. Additionally, computed tomography scanning of the sterna was performed.RESULTS: Sternal foramina were found in 11 subjects, resulting in an incidence of 18.3% over the total population. In 27.3% of the subjects with sternal foramen, a single sternal foramen was observed in the body of the sternum, while in 45.5% of the sterna presenting sternal foramina, multiple xiphoidal foramina were noticed. In two specimens, association of xiphoidal foramina with sternal cleft was documented.CONCLUSION: Sternal foramina are variant quite common in the population, with distinct imaging pattern and awareness of their existence is important for the physician. |
DOI | 10.1007/s00276-014-1412-5 |
Alternate Journal | Surg Radiol Anat |
PubMed ID | 25552238 |