Fractured Sternal Wires Post Coronary Surgery: A Cross-Sectional Study Examining Wire Configurations, Sternal
Klaudiusz Stoklosa1, Delia Munteanu1, Kevin Lachapelle1
1Division of Cardiac Surgery, McGill University Health Centre, Montreal, Quebec, Canada.
The Annals of Thoracic Surgery
|February 27, 2026
Summary
Sternal wire fractures are common after coronary artery bypass grafting, affecting over 27% of patients. Multi-twist configurations and wire bends were associated with fewer fractures, highlighting potential improvements in sternal closure techniques.
Area of Science:
- Cardiovascular Surgery
- Biomedical Engineering
- Radiology
Background:
- Sternal closure with wires is standard after median sternotomy.
- Wire fatigue and fracture are known complications.
- Prevalence and risk factors for sternal wire fractures require further investigation.
Purpose of the Study:
- To determine the prevalence, location, and risk factors of sternal wire fractures.
- To evaluate different sternal wire configurations and their association with fracture rates.
- To identify common sites of sternal wire breakage.
Main Methods:
- Cross-sectional study of 639 patients post-coronary artery bypass grafting.
- Angiographic analysis to identify fractured sternal wires and configurations.
- Statistical analysis to determine risk factors and fracture rates.
Main Results:
- 27.2% of patients exhibited fractured sternal wires.
- Independent risk factors included higher BMI, male sex, and longer time since surgery.
- Figure-of-eight configurations and wire bends showed higher fracture rates.
Conclusions:
- Sternal wire fractures are a frequent complication.
- Multi-twist configurations and sternal endpoints/bends are associated with fracture patterns.
- Further research is needed to understand the clinical impact of fractured sternal wires.
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