How Will My Sternum Heal

A median sternotomy, the cutting of the breast bone to get to the heart, heals just like any other bone. For bone healing it is important to have rigid fixation. To that end our surgeons insist on advanced technology beyond simple sternal wiring.

Traditionally, the sternum was closed with wire cerclage, but the wires can be subject to fatigue and shear stress. This fatigue allows micromotion of the bone and can result in cartilaginous overgrowth, bony nonunion, and predisposition to infection and wound breakdown. Our surgeons will use a system of braided steel cables with and external tensioner device to ensure the bone edges are held securely together. Additionally a thin titanium plate will be applied in the upper midportion for added stability. We have found this to be a sure a reproducible way of tight, rigid sternal fixation to allow you to heal faster and get on with what’s important in your life.