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Fractured Sternum Wires
I am posting to this forum because a friend sent me this link, and I got the surprise of my life that I am not the only peson that this has happened to:
I went to the emergency room in early January '09 with what felt like a heart attack. I had by-pass surgery in 1996. After extensive testing, it was determined that there was no infarction, and I was told that perhaps I was having spasms of the esophageal ring and should get that tested. I had a barium swallow/upper GI test done, and the results showed today (in addition to acid reflux) that one of the wires in my sternum to put my chest back together after by-pass surgery is fractured. I have been complaining for years that "something" wasn't right in my chest (and suggested that it felt like the wires), because I could feel a "scraping" and sometimes hear "popping" when I moved. However, I was told that that was impossible, since sternum bone grows around the wires, and therefore, they can't move. Now my PCP is wondering if my chest pain was caused by the wire. I've also had intermittent pain in the middle of my shoulder blades when my chest hurts. I'm frightened that this could cause damage to other organs. How critical is it to get the wire removed and how is it done?
This discussion is related to Sternal wire pain 15 years post surgery.
I went to the emergency room in early January '09 with what felt like a heart attack. I had by-pass surgery in 1996. After extensive testing, it was determined that there was no infarction, and I was told that perhaps I was having spasms of the esophageal ring and should get that tested. I had a barium swallow/upper GI test done, and the results showed today (in addition to acid reflux) that one of the wires in my sternum to put my chest back together after by-pass surgery is fractured. I have been complaining for years that "something" wasn't right in my chest (and suggested that it felt like the wires), because I could feel a "scraping" and sometimes hear "popping" when I moved. However, I was told that that was impossible, since sternum bone grows around the wires, and therefore, they can't move. Now my PCP is wondering if my chest pain was caused by the wire. I've also had intermittent pain in the middle of my shoulder blades when my chest hurts. I'm frightened that this could cause damage to other organs. How critical is it to get the wire removed and how is it done?
This discussion is related to Sternal wire pain 15 years post surgery.
Sternal wire failure can be managed nonoperatively (unwilling to tolerate the pain?!); however, repair is indicated if fractured wires are displaced or potentially migratory.
The danger of no intervention is a progressive wire fracture and migration caused by the constant sternal motion allowed by the development of sternal nonunion (there may be non-union based on your pain history).
..."Although not all patients with fractured sternal wires or chronic sternal nonunion require rewiring, the presence of a displaced wire fracture, or a potentially migratory segment is a strong indication for operative repair. If patients are treated conservatively, close surveillance is mandatory and changes in wire integrity must be carefully assessed on every chest roentgenogram"....
The danger of no intervention is a progressive wire fracture and migration caused by the constant sternal motion allowed by the development of sternal nonunion (there may be non-union based on your pain history).
..."Although not all patients with fractured sternal wires or chronic sternal nonunion require rewiring, the presence of a displaced wire fracture, or a potentially migratory segment is a strong indication for operative repair. If patients are treated conservatively, close surveillance is mandatory and changes in wire integrity must be carefully assessed on every chest roentgenogram"....
I also had a triple bypass in april of 08 and have never had a day without pain , almost 2 yrs later. Just found out i have 2 broken sternum wires and was going to have surgery to have them taken out and have cancelled it because I am scared to death of the outcome because i am high risk because of diabetes , obesity, and am a smoker. I take 4 pain pills a day just so i can funtion. I would like to hear from someone who has had the operation . I just have no faith in doctors, but i can't live with this pain much longer. thanks, Mickey in Ohio
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