Although SternaLock Blu patients in the SternaLock Blu Study had
improved healing, zero breastbone complications, and spent fewer days
in rehab facilities, each patient’s results will vary based on their
risk factors.
These study results should not be construed as a substitute for
reviewing all of the actual study information with your surgeon or
physician. Only your surgeon can determine what closure method is
appropriate for you. All results that reference the SternaLock Blu
product are based on comparison to standard wire closure.11, 12
What are the risks associated with sternal closure? 10
To help minimize risk it is always important to follow your
surgeon’s sternal precautions. Sternal Precautions are preventative
guidelines provided by your surgeon to protect the breastbone and help
reduce breastbone complications.
While uncommon, breastbone complications can occur during and after
surgery. Breastbone complications include, but are not limited to:
- Poor bone conditions can cause the plates or screws to
fracture
- Incomplete bone healing or delayed healing
- Allergic reaction to metal plates and screws
- Decrease
in bone density
- Shifting, bending, breaking or loosening of
plates and screws
- Pain, discomfort, abnormal sensation, or
palpability due to the presence of the plates and screws
- Inflammation around the fracture site and/or the plates or
screws
- Poor healing of the bone
- Decomposition of
bone
- Improper selection of screws that are too long for the
thickness of the breastbone may protrude to the interior of the
chest.
Apart from the adverse effects there are always possible breastbone
complications of any surgical procedure such as, but not limited to,
infection, nerve or soft tissue (non-bone) damage, and pain which may
or may not be related to the implant. Implanted metal plates and
screws cannot replace normal healthy bone, and the device can break,
bend or be damaged as a result of stress, activity, load bearing or
inadequate bone healing. Continue with regular postoperative follow-up
examination as long as the plates and screws remain implanted.
You are not a candidate for sternal plating if you have the following:
- Current, active infection
- Specific metal allergy or
sensitivities
- Mental condition preventing compliance with
postoperative care instructions