X-Ray Sternum AP / LAT

Overview

X-Ray Sternum AP / LAT is a diagnostic radiographic examination that provides anteroposterior (AP) and lateral (LAT) images of the sternum, commonly known as the breastbone. This examination helps evaluate sternal fractures, chest trauma, bone abnormalities, infections, tumors, and other conditions affecting the anterior chest wall. The AP and lateral projections provide comprehensive visualization of the sternum and surrounding bony structures.

The examination is commonly performed following chest injuries, road traffic accidents, sports trauma, persistent sternum pain, or suspected fractures. It is widely used in orthopedic, trauma, emergency medicine, and thoracic evaluations.

Benefits of the Test

• Provides detailed visualization of the sternum.
• Helps detect sternal fractures and trauma.
• Evaluates bone alignment and structural abnormalities.
• Assesses healing after chest injuries.
• Supports diagnosis of anterior chest wall disorders.
• Useful for orthopedic and trauma evaluations.
• Quick and painless imaging procedure.
• Uses minimal radiation exposure.

Why Doctors Recommend This Test

• Evaluation of chest trauma and injury.
• Assessment of suspected sternal fractures.
• Investigation of persistent sternum pain.
• Diagnosis of chest wall abnormalities.
• Assessment of bone infections or lesions.
• Monitoring fracture healing.
• Orthopedic and emergency evaluations.

Preparation Before the Test

• No special preparation is required.
• Remove necklaces, chains, and metallic objects from the chest area.
• Inform the radiology team if you are pregnant.
• Carry previous imaging reports if available.
• Follow positioning instructions provided by the technician.
• Remain still while images are acquired.

Who Should Take This Test?

• Patients with sternum pain or tenderness.
• Individuals with chest trauma or injury.
• People with suspected sternal fractures.
• Patients with anterior chest wall swelling.
• Individuals undergoing orthopedic evaluation.
• Patients requiring follow-up imaging after chest injury.
• People referred for sternum assessment.

Normal Reporting Time

Reports are typically available within 2 to 3 Hours after completion of the examination and radiologist review.

Detailed Information

The sternum is a flat bone located at the center of the chest that connects to the ribs and helps protect vital organs such as the heart and lungs. X-Ray Sternum AP / LAT provides detailed frontal and side-view images of the sternum, allowing healthcare providers to evaluate its structure and detect abnormalities.

This examination is particularly useful following blunt chest trauma, falls, sports injuries, and motor vehicle accidents. It helps identify fractures, displacement, bone lesions, infections, and structural abnormalities affecting the sternum and anterior chest wall.

The AP view provides a frontal assessment of the sternum, while the lateral view offers enhanced visualization of fracture lines, alignment abnormalities, and subtle injuries that may not be apparent on a single projection.

Orthopedic surgeons, trauma specialists, emergency physicians, thoracic surgeons, and general practitioners frequently recommend this examination when evaluating chest pain or suspected sternal injuries. The procedure is simple, painless, and generally completed within a few minutes.

Early diagnosis through X-Ray Sternum AP / LAT supports timely treatment, effective pain management, proper fracture care, and prevention of complications associated with chest wall injuries and sternal disorders.