Fractured Sternum Wires

Posted by Shannon Michael on April 25, 1999 at 02:02:47
I had a mitral valve repair, and a PFO repair (not planned) about six weeks ago.  Although my surgery began as a minimally invasive procedure, the surgery team had to go to median sternotomy when they realized they were also going to have to repair the PFO.
I had awful chest pain about five days ago -- after a nearly perfect recovery period with no complications, so I went to the ER.  On x-ray, they can see a fractured sternal wire at the bottom of my sternum.
Now, I have to figure out what to do.  It is hurting pretty badly, tho it has settled down some.  My questions are:
1.  Is the bone likely healed enough to not need re-wiring?
2.  Is it general practice to remove the fractured set of wires?
3.  Will removing the wires set my recovery back significantly?
4.  Is it likely that the midline chest pain will disappear over time?  What would be a reasonable amoung of time to wait?  I feel like I have broken bones, because there is a bit of a grating or crunching feeling.
Thanks very much.
Shannon

Posted by Todd on April 26, 1999 at 09:53:20
After my open heart surgery, I did not lift anything over 10-15 pounds for 6-7 weeks.  I had discomfort along my incision for about 12 weeks - after that I sarted playing hockey again - no more pain.  Give it time to heal, just like a broken bone - 6-8 weeks.  Good luck

Posted by CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on April 27, 1999 at 15:40:13
Dear Todd, thank you for your input to the heart forum, but a fractured sternal wire is different than normal post-operative pain following a median sternotomy incision.