Sternal bands for closure of midline sternotomy leads to better wound healing

Midline sternotomy is the most common incision for cardiac surgery, but problems of wound healing and sternal instability are still matters of concern. The use of stainless steel wires only was compared with the use of wires plus sternal bands for closure of midline sternotomy wounds in a 2-year period. Of 370 patients in whom only stainless steel wires were used, 14 (3.78%) required re-operation for dehiscence. Only 3 (0.76%) of 395 patients in whom sternal bands were also used, required re-operation for dehiscence. The difference was highly significant. It was concluded that use of sternal bands leads to a more stable union.