In the clinic
Collection of sternal bone marrow
The subcutaneous position of the sternum makes it possible to place a needle through the hard outer cortex into the internal (or medullary) cavity containing bone marrow. Once the needle is in this position, bone marrow can be aspirated. Evaluation of this material under the microscope helps clinicians diagnose certain blood diseases such as leukemia.
In the clinic
Single rib fractures are of little consequence, though extremely painful.