Control of Separation in Sternal Instability by Supportive Devices: A Comparison of an Adjustable Fastening Brace, Compression Garment, and Sports Tape

Abstract

OBJECTIVE: To evaluate the effectiveness of 3 supportive devices in controlling sternal separation. DESIGN: A cross-sectional, randomized intervention study. SETTING: Participants were from the general community who were referred to the study by their cardiac surgeon or cardiologist. PARTICIPANTS: Fifteen patients (12 men, 3 women) between 49 and 80 years of age with sternal instability after a median sternotomy. INTERVENTIONS: Not applicable. MAIN OUTCOME MEASURES: Support from sports tape, a compression garment, and an adjustable fastening brace was assessed by an ultrasound-based measure of sternal separation contingent on movement and by self-report measures of comfort, pain, feeling of ..