finally a post about this. very rare injury, but it's what ended markus ruhl's career...
to the original poster, i think ur fine. most people have a small gap in the middle of their lower sternum, arnold did for example, same with dorian yates. if its a tear, u would probably know, as ur chest would look quite abnormal. post a pic of urself anyway and lets see if u should worry or not.
anyway, i have a chest tear/dent at the sternum, on my left pec only (markus' was on his right pec). it's unsymmetrical when i tense both pecs. from what ive read on the subject, it appears as if my tendons have torn off the bone and when i flex, the muscle doesnt stay where it is - it contracts outward, causing a dent/gap to appear.
add to that, there is a continuous slight pain in the area. sometimes it gets bad, but just generally a burning sensation. my doctor thinks it's costochondritis. he ordered a ct scan, which showed only swelling. to be honest, i dont think the doc has any idea of what this injury is, and apparently it gets worse with weight training!
if anyone can help me PLEASE do because right now its scaring me. ive had it for about a year now and luckily it hasnt got much worse, but i dont want to turn out like scott steiner. if anyone else has had this tear, speak up.
thanks...