Clinical management and rehabilitation of persistent Sternal instability

Abstract

Background: Postoperative sternal complications after cardiac surgery remain a significant problem that increases hospital length of stay and cost of care, delays recovery, and impairs function. While the majority of patients with sternal instability can be successfully treated with sternal debridement and rewiring, this may not be an option for all patients who present with acute or persistent instability. Methods: This clinical case reports an interdisciplinary approach to the clinical assessment and conservative management of a complex patient with multiple co-morbidities and persistent sternal instability following three open-heart procedures for coronary revascularisation. It presents n..