Sternal fracture

[phil123106]

I had a cardiac bypass on 8/8/2011. Prior to the bypass, I was very active and played tournament softball monthly throughout Florida. I also practiced hitting 1-2 times weekly typically hitting 100-200 softballs each session. I want to get back to hitting softballs as soon as possible; however, I do not want my incision and safe sternum to re-open and/or fracture. How long does it take for the sternum to fully heal and when would it be wise and safe to play softball once again? My surgeon and cardiologist both indicated that I should be able to play in 5 months, due to my age and otherwise excellent health, which would be in january of 2012. I am 52-years-old and weigh 180 pounds. Prior to my operation, I could still run fast, throw hard and hit home runs. I did not have a heart attack but did have left main disease that was discovered by an angiogram. I had no symptoms prior to my bypass whatsoever and ran and played without any difficulties.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi again!

The major part of the healing in most cases takes place in the first 6-8 weeks and almost near healing by 3-6 months.  Beyond this time healing is very slow, though it may still continue. One may also like to know that healing is never perfect and can be delayed by a number of external factors like infections, mal-nutrition, smoking etc.
Hope this information helps.

Take care!

[phil123106]

S. Kaul, MD thanks for your input. Cardiovascular wise, I am definitely progressing much faster than I anticipated. For example, I am already walking  4 miles daily (2 in the AM and 2 in the PM) after only approximately 4 weeks post surgery. I can walk without any chest pain, difficulty breathing, palpitations, etc. I consider myself very lucky.  Additionally, 2 days ago, I walked for an hour and a half (5 miles total) first thing in the AM. Today is the beginning of my 5th week post surgery. By the way, I did not have a heart attack and was totally surprised that a quadruple bypass was necessary, especially since I played in a softball tournament in the Florida heat the day before without any distress or discomfort. Apparently, I had left main blockage without any symptoms. An EKG revealed 1-3 mm depressions of the ST segment even though during the test I did not have any symptoms whatsoever. The EKG resulted in an angiogram, which then resulted in a quadruple bypass. I was told my heart is now actually stronger than it was prior to my bypass surgery. I hope that my physicians are correct , especially regarding playing softball once again in 5 months. I recently viewed CT images of sternal fractures that revealed complete healing did not occur until one full year after surgery. As a result, I decided to consult with an orthopedist who specializes in bone abnormalities. Are you sure and does your experience indicate sternal fractures can actually heal in 6-8 weeks?

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

The question here for you to return to normal activities and sports is not of sternal fracture or incision but of a by-pass graft. The sternal fracture should heal in 6-8 weeks and should be good to go in 3-6 months. However the decision for you to return to normal activities and sports is best taken by a cardiologist/ cardiothoracic surgeon after a detailed clinical evaluation, when it is thought appropriate.
Hope this helps.

Take care!