sternum repair

how is sternum repair done and what does it entail


This discussion is related to Sternal pain following heart surgery.

[ed34]

I presume you are concerned about the chest bone healing after heart surgery. In normal
situations, the sternum is actually wired together so it is perfectly aligned. Then the body
generates new bone tissue which will knit the bone together. This process takes around
six weeks to complete. Immediately after surgery, the wire is adequate to allow coughing
but not lifting heavy objects. The complete healing of muscles and ability to life heavy
objects takes about 3 months but does vary with individuals. I have yet to meet anyone
who feels comfy enough to lift heavy objects after three months.
Usually when a bone heals, it is stronger in the place of repair than it was before the damage. It is rare for a bone to break in the same place twice. I know I doubted my sternum was strong enough for many months after surgery, if frightened me if something
accidentally touched my chest. This is a mental thing.

[john159]

my problem is the sternum has'nt healed properly, and the surgeon has said it needs to be done again,
I have an appointment to see him October 2 to discuss further action, I am just free of pain after 6 months and dont think I could face anymore.
Does anyone have advice ?

[ed34]

In what way has it not healed properly, can you be a bit more specific?
Is it misaligned? has bone tissue not formed? did it get infected?

[john159]

Hi ed, I am seeing the surgeon 2/10/09,I will know more then,I was recently in hospital  for some other reason,one of the Cardiologists called the surgeon to check me out,I was and have been getting a lot of pain in the sternum,he breifly examined me,and said he would make me an appointment for further examination as it appears not to be healing together.

[ed34]

All I can think of is that you either have an infection or are lacking something in your
blood chemistry.

[john159]

Hi ed thanx for your help & time.