Blog

There are a lot of components to consider when it comes to healing after heart surgery, but one of the most important components is the treatment of the sternum. In truth, the sternum is actually a broken bone at the beginning of the healing process--but is it treated as such? Are there extra considerations? Here's a closer look.

Sternum Care

When it comes to any broken bone, there are four basic principles of management--and they're an important part of how the sternum is treated after heart surgery. They are as follows:

1. Realignment of bone fragments
2. Stabilizing the bone so that it can heal without a significant interruption in normal movement and function
3. Keeping up the blood supply to the broken bone and surrounding area
4. Prioritizing safety and quick healing

The healing journey after cardiac surgery looks different for each patient. Some patients need more time to heal, while others want to be back on their feet as soon as possible--but one thing that all patients struggle with is pain. Pain is a universal part of the healing journey, and, luckily, there's a solution that's just as universal: sternum support.

How Sternum Support Helps Any Patient

Sternum support doesn't just make patients more comfortable--it actually speeds healing and limits the risk of complications. That's why sternum support devices are such a crucial part of the healing journey. The best part is that there is a perfect device for every patient, which means that the advantages of sternum support can really be universal. Don't just take our word for it, though--here are a few real benefits of sternum support that any patient can enjoy.

When it comes to cardiac rehab, it's important for patients to have all the facts--not just because this is a crucial part of the healing process after cardiac surgery, but because patients who have heard certain myths will be more likely to skip rehab. Here are three popular myths and the truth behind them.

Dispelling the Myths

Our experts understand that the healing process after heart surgery can be long and not always easy. However, when hear-say is keeping patients from taking part in the counseling, exercises, and education of rehab, then they miss out on all the benefits--and the journey to healing suddenly gets a lot harder. Here's a look at the biggest obstacles patients see:

When you don't feel well, what is it that you look for or do to make yourself feel better? For some of us, the key to comfort might be a movie and a warm drink. For others, listening to good music might be the key. Still others prefer to turn to comfort food to make themselves feel better--after all, there's a reason it's known as comfort food! Whatever it is that you turn to when trying to make yourself feel better, you can clearly see that your body and your mind, working together, know what to do in order to help you. It's like your body was programmed to know what it needs (even if it's just a chocolate bar) and when it needs it. The same is true after heart surgery--although your body might require a little help knowing just what it needs.