Postoperative osteopathic manipulative management of median sternotomy patients

More than 250,000 patients yearly undergo coronary bypass graft surgery accomplished via the median sternotomy incision, an approach that has been gaining widespread acceptance. This surgical approach has been associated with a growing number of patients with structural complaints. This article describes a postoperative treatment protocol for improving healing and reducing musculoskeletal disability associated with such cardiac procedures and presents a logical sequence of treatment graded to the patient's changing condition and stage of healing. The author challenges the osteopathic medical profession to meet the opportunity that exists to educate patients and physicians about the benefits of osteopathic healthcare.