Sternum Pain and Swelling

[Ays]

Hi, I was recently bench pressing at a gym. I happened to be wearing a sweater which was zipped about where my sternum was. When I lowered the bar, it hit the zipper causing impact on my chest. I immediately felt the pain in my sternum. A few days went by, and I noticed what will looked like a pimple. I thought a head would form but I eventually realized that it was no pimple, but a swelling caused by the impact. The swelling has somewhat subsided but I am still worried. Is this a symptom of a fracture or a broken bone. I can still breathe fine with no pain felt as I do so. What am I to do? I'd appreciate someone's help on this.

[Archibald S Miller III, MD,FACS]

I am Dr. Arch Miller and am on the reconstructive surgery forum. You may have fractured your sternum. You simply need to see your local physician and get a chest x-ray to evaluate it, or a 3D CT scan. If it is fractured, then you will need to talk to a surggeon that uses the talon{www.rapidsternalclosure.com} to fix the fracture. I hope this helps,Respectfully,

                             arch s miller ms md facs

[Jillian70]

I have been to over 5 doctors over the past 6 months and they have come to the conclusion that I have a fractured xiphoid. For my most recent treatment I was sent to a pain management doctor for a nerve block into my xiphoid. This unfortunately did not work. I went with no pain for a month, but the pain has now returned and is starting to become more severe. I think my next step will be to go back to the chest doctor, but does anyone know if a fractured xiphoid will heal on its own or is this something that is going to have to be surgically removed.
Thanks, Jill