Re: 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

[CCF Cardio MD - MTR]

Posted By CCF CARDIO MD - MTR on April 27, 1999 at 15:38:16
Dear Shannon, thank you for your question.  When a sternal wire fractures, there are many different strategies that may be used.  Sometimes, the pain subsides with conservative therapy with analgesics and rest.  In other situations, the fractured wire needs to be removed if the pain is too severe.  If this happens, it should set your recovery back too much since it's the bottom wire and the rest of the sternum should have healed well by now.  But, if your sternal bones are still grinding together, you may need to have new sternal wires inserted.  There is no "correct" answer to your question, but, something should be done to relieve your pain.  Thus, I suggest that you speak with your cardiac surgeon regarding your present options and pain control.
I hope you find this information useful.  Information provided in the heart forum is for general purposes only.  Only your physician can provide specific diagnoses and therapies. Please feel free to write back with additional questions.  Good luck!
If you would like to make an appointment at the Cleveland Clinic Heart Center, please call 1-800-CCF-CARE or inquire online by using the Heart Center website at www.ccf.org/heartcenter.   The Heart
Center website contains a directory of the cardiology staff that can be used to select the physician best suited to address your cardiac problem.











Follow Ups: