Fractured Sturnum

Feb. 14 while participating in a local rodeo I was attacked by a bull.  Initially I thought it had just bruised my chest and tore muscles, but four months later the pain hasn't left.  It hurts to relax my chest and to flex and direct pressure to the middle portion of my chest.  What can I do if anything to aid the recovery process?  Should I wear a sling?

[National Jewish]

The first step is to get a chest x-ray to determine the extent of your injury.  Also you must avoid further trauma to your chest.

This may be a fractured sternum and/or separation of rib cartilage from the sternum.  Surgery may be needed to wire the fractured sternum back together.  You may need to wear a chest binder rather than a sling.  Please check with your doctor to determine the best treatment.