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 complications.
While uncommon, breastbone complications can occur during and after surgery. Complications include, but are not limited to:
Apart from the adverse effects there are always possible 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 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:
The information herein is of a general nature and does not represent or constitute medical advice or recommendations and is for general education purposes only. The information includes descriptions of a medical device that a thoracic (heart) surgeon may choose for patients undergoing open-heart surgery.
Zimmer Biomet manufactures medical devices, including metal plates and screws that may be used by your heart surgeon to hold together the sternum (breastbone) after heart surgery. We do not practice medicine; all questions regarding your medical condition must be directed to your doctor(s).
Results with breastbone (sternum) plates and screws (rigid fixation) will vary due to health, weight, activity and other variables. Not all patients are candidates for this product and/or procedure. Only a medical professional can determine the treatment appropriate for your specific condition.
Appropriate post-operative activities will differ from patient to patient. Talk to your surgeon about whether rigid fixation is right for you and the risks associated therewith, including but not limited to the risks of infection, implant wear, loosening, screw or plate breakage or incomplete bone healing.
For a complete list of risks associated with Zimmer Biomet’s rigid fixation system, see Patient Risk Information.
The SternaLock Blu study was funded by Zimmer Biomet.
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