Reliability of sternal instability scale (Sis) for transverse sternotomy in lung transplantation (ltx)

Abstract

A surgical incision for bilateral sequential lung transplantation (BSLTX) is the “clam shell” (CSI) approach via bilateral anterior thoracotomies and a transverse sternotomy to allow for sequential replacement of the lungs. This can be associated with significant post-operative pain, bony overriding or sternal instability. The sternal instability scale (SIS) is a non-invasive manual assessment tool that can be used to detect early bony non-union or instability following CSI; however, its reliability is unknown. Objective: This prospective blinded reliability study aimed to assess intra-rater and inter-rater reliability of the SIS following lung transplantation. Method: Participants post BSLT..