Patients and Families
Some Background
As you may know, surgeons performing chest surgery often must divide the sternum in two. This is the bone that lies in the center of your chest. After the surgery is completed, the sternum must be held together securely so new bone can grow and heal completely.
In the past, surgeons have used stainless-steel wires to hold the sternum together during the recovery and healing process. But this presents several disadvantages. First, the wire can break or cut through the bone tissue, which is often not highly stable.
Second, the wire technique can allow very small movements of the two sternum halves when you move or perform your post-operative coughing and deep-breathing exercises. These movements can hinder the healing process, cause excessive discomfort and even lead to serious infections.