The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of bone cement in combination with wire cerclage on the stability of the sternum following median sternotomy.~It has been shown previously that wire cerclage alone does not provide a stabile osteosynthesis following median sternotomy. The hypothesis is that if a stabile osteosynthesis can be achieved patient recovery can be hastened and patient discomfort and pain reduced.~One half of the patients received only wire cerclage the other both bone cement and wire cerclage.~The stability of the sternum was evaluated using radiostereometric analysis, PET-CT and patient reported outcomes in the form of SF-36 and VAS.
The aim of this study was to investigate the beneficial effect of bone cement in combination with wire cerclage on the stability of the sternum following median sternotomy.~One half of the patients received only wire cerclage the other both bone cement and wire cerclage.