Sternotomy closure with Parham bands

J Card Surg. 1988 Sep;3(3):235-6. doi: 10.1111/j.1540-8191.1988.tb00242.x.

Abstract

The closure of a median sternotomy incision requires secure bony approximation to prevent postoperative pain, sternal click, and/or nonunion of bone. The standard technique of sternotomy closure involves the use of stainless steel wires for reapproximation of the sternum. These wires occasionally break or pull through bone, resulting in instability of either a portion of the sternum or the entire sternum. Presented here is our technique for sternotomy closure that provides secure closure with reduced postoperative morbidity.

MeSH terms

  • Bone Wires / standards*
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / instrumentation
  • Cardiac Surgical Procedures / methods*
  • Hospitals, University
  • Humans
  • Philadelphia / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / epidemiology
  • Postoperative Complications / etiology
  • Sternum / surgery*