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      What is Chest Wall Stabilization?

      During cardiac surgery, the breastbone is cut right down the middle to access the heart, which is right behind the sternum. Afterward, the surgeon uses strong wires to knit the two sides of the bone back together in the middle of your chest. For a small percentage of patients, the bone doesn’t heal together correctly; over time, the wires loosen or break, and the symptoms of sternal instability begin.

      Sternal nonunion can cause various symptoms, such as pain and shortness of breath. Our reconstructive surgeons offer a revolutionary treatment option for sternal nonunion, known as chest wall stabilization surgery.

      What to Expect

      Some surgeons simply rewire the sternum back together. We have found that the technique of using plates and screws yields a higher success rate with fewer complications.

      Chest wall stabilization surgery typically takes about one hour to complete, is done under general anesthesia, and requires at least a one-night stay at the hospital for recovery.

      During the procedure, your surgeon will open the same incision that was used for your heart surgery. Directly under the skin is the unhealed bone. The surgeon uses special tools to clean off the fibrous scar tissue that is preventing the bone from healing together and then will bring the edges of the bone together with special clamps.

      While the bone is clamped tightly together, the surgeon places thin titanium plates and screws into the sternum to hold it together permanently. The surgeon then covers the bone and hardware with the pectoral muscles to protect the repaired bone and help with the healing process.

      After the Procedure

      Most patients wake up and immediately feel the difference with minimal pain. Basic recovery takes 3 to 4 weeks. We recommend minimal use of the arms for about 12 weeks following surgery while the sternum heals, after which point, patients can resume normal physical activity. It is important to follow the surgeon's instructions for care after the surgery to ensure the best possible outcome. This may include taking medications as prescribed, keeping the incision site clean and dry, and avoiding strenuous activities until the chest wall has fully healed.

      Risks & Side Effects

      Chest wall stabilization has been shown to result in low recurrence and complication rates. However, all types of surgery carry some form of risk. Possible risks and side effects of chest wall surgery include:

      • Infection
      • Blood clots
      • Pneumonia
      • Excessive bleeding
      • Air leaking from lungs

      Am I a candidate?

      Patients who have had a previous heart surgery and are suffering from sternal nonunion and instability should schedule a consultation. During your appointment, we will assess the chest wall dynamics, including a physical exam and X-rays, and provide a diagnosis and possible treatment options.

      Our Surgeons

      The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction is world-renowned for our revolutionary reconstruction techniques, including specialized surgical procedures for chest wall stabilization.
      Hamid Abdollahi
      Physician

      Hamid Abdollahi

      MD, FACS
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      Sean Herman
      Physician

      Sean Herman

      MD, FACS
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      Chris Lakhiani
      Physician

      Chris Lakhiani

      MD, FACS
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      Tushar Patel
      Physician

      Tushar Patel

      MD, FACS
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      Michael Rose
      Physician

      Michael Rose

      MD, FACS
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      Tzvi Small
      Physician

      Tzvi Small

      MD, FACS
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      Hakan Usal
      Physician

      Hakan Usal

      MD
      Read More

      Patient Success Stories

      Find out how our patients have regained quality of life after a chest wall stabilization surgery.

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      Find a Location

      The Institute for Advanced Reconstruction makes getting specialized, world-class care as accessible and convenient as possible. We diagnose and treat sternal nonunion and numerous other conditions at the following locations:

      Schedule an Appointment

      Contact the Institute for Advanced Reconstruction today to schedule a consultation and learn more about your treatment options. 

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