Randomized Trial of Sternal Closure for Low Risk Patients: Rigid Fixation versus Wire Closure

A previous retrospective analysis of our cardiac surgery patients showed shortened ventilation time and hospital stay among patients receiving rigid sternal fixation compared to sternal wire fixation. We performed a prospective randomized study to further investigate these outcomes and determine if rigid closure can provide reduced pain after cardiac surgery.

Patients undergoing cardiac surgery between July 2011 and May 2014 were prospectively randomized into wire closure (Group C) or rigid fixation using sternal plates (Group R) groups. Age above 80, emergency surgery, redo sternotomy, and immunosuppression were among major exclusion criteria precluding randomization.  Intubation time was recorded for all patients. Pain scores were determined daily from postoperative day 1 until day 5 at 6 a.m. using a numeric rating scale. Narcotic pain medication requirements from day 1 to 5 were collected and converted into intravenous morphine equivalents.

Of 80 patients, 39 patients were in Group R (average age 65 ± 8; 31 male and 8 female) and 41 patients were in Group C (average age 66 ± 9; 34 male and 7 female).  Group R patients had a higher body mass index than patients in Group C (Group R: 31 ± 5; Group C: 29 ± 5; P = .04). No significant differences in the end points of intubation time and postoperative pain were observed. Conclusion: This randomized study of cardiac surgery patients showed no significant benefits of rigid fixation over conventional sternal wire closure with regard to intubation time, postoperative pain, or length of hospital stay.