Sternal foramina: incidence in Greek population, anatomy and clinical considerations

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.