What is sternal non-union?

Answer: Sternal non-union occurs when the sternum (breastbone) fails to heal properly after being split during cardiac or aortic surgery. This condition can result in persistent pain, instability in the chest wall, and increased risk of infection.

What is sternal reconstruction surgery?

Answer: Sternal reconstruction surgery is a procedure aimed at repairing the sternum that has not healed correctly after previous surgery. This often involves realigning the bone, securing it with special surgical materials such as wires or plates, and ensuring that the bone edges are positioned to promote healing.

Who needs sternal reconstruction surgery?

Answer: This surgery is typically recommended for patients who experience significant discomfort, pain, or complications from a non-healing sternum after cardiac or aortic surgery. A thorough evaluation, including imaging studies like CT scans, is necessary to determine if you are a candidate for this procedure.

How is the surgery performed?

Answer: The surgery is performed under general anesthesia. The surgeon will access the sternum through the original incision or a new one if necessary. The non-healed segments of the sternum are then meticulously realigned and secured using surgical hardware to ensure proper healing and stability.

What are the risks of sternal reconstruction surgery?

Answer: As with any surgery, there are risks involved, including infection, bleeding, reaction to anesthesia, and complications related to the hardware used to stabilize the sternum. Your surgeon will discuss these risks with you in detail based on your specific health profile.

How long is the recovery after sternal reconstruction surgery?

Answer: Recovery times can vary depending on the extent of the surgery and the individual's overall health. Generally, patients may require hospitalization for a few days post-surgery. Full recovery, where patients can return to normal activities, may take several weeks to months. Follow-up appointments are crucial to monitor healing.

What can I expect during the recovery period?

Answer: During recovery, you will likely experience some pain and discomfort, which can be managed with medication prescribed by your surgeon. Physical activities will be limited to ensure proper healing of the sternum. Physical therapy may be recommended to help regain strength and mobility.

Will I have a scar from the surgery?

Answer: Yes, as the surgery involves making an incision along the chest, there will be a scar. However, the extent and appearance of the scar can vary. Surgical techniques aimed at minimizing scarring will be used, and proper wound care will help in reducing scar visibility.

How effective is sternal reconstruction surgery?

Answer: Sternal reconstruction surgery is generally very effective in alleviating the symptoms of sternal non-union, such as pain and instability. Most patients experience significant improvement in their quality of life post-surgery. The effectiveness of the surgery will depend on various factors, including the method of reconstruction and the patient's adherence to post-operative care guidelines.

Can sternal non-union reoccur after the surgery?

Answer: While the goal of sternal reconstruction surgery is to permanently resolve the issue of non-union, there is a small risk that the problem may recur, especially if post-surgical care instructions are not followed, or if the patient has underlying conditions that affect bone healing.

These FAQs aim to cover the essential aspects of sternal reconstruction surgery for patients dealing with complications after cardiac or aortic surgery. For more detailed information or personal queries, consulting directly with a specialist like Dr. Vineet Mehan is recommended.