anatomy of the infrasternal angle

Last reviewed 01/2018

The infrasternal angle is the junction of the lateral margin of the xiphisternum with the costal margin. It forms an acute angle.

On the right side, this point is clinically important as the parietal pleura may traverse it deeply. It may be the site of accidental surgical encroachment into the pleural cavity.

On the left side, it is the site of needle insertion for a pericardiocentesis procedure.