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Clinical and Radiographic Evaluation of a Median Sternotomy Technique in the Dog
Author(s) -
BRIGHT RONALD M.,
BRIGHT JANICE McINTOSH,
RICHARDSON DANIEL R.,
SIMS JEFFREY
Publication year - 1983
Publication title -
veterinary surgery
Language(s) - English
Resource type - Journals
SCImago Journal Rank - 0.652
H-Index - 79
eISSN - 1532-950X
pISSN - 0161-3499
DOI - 10.1111/j.1532-950x.1983.tb00695.x
Subject(s) - medicine , sternum , surgery , median sternotomy , radiography , parasternal line
This study evaluated postoperative sequelae following a sternotomy closed with transsternal and parasternal sutures in nine dogs. Wound complications noted within 30 days suggested excessive intraoperative trauma to bone or surrounding soft tissues. Radiographic evaluation at the end of this period demonstrated a significant lack of osseous bridging between the sternal halves in eight of nine dogs. There was frequent wire breakage, suggesting instability of the sternal halves and considerable midline inaccuracy when splitting the sternum. Postoperative pain was minimal. This technique is suitable for use in dogs provided that swaged‐on needles and sufficient transsternal wires are used, the sternebrae are carefully split on the midline, and the wires are carefully twisted to assure a tight closure.