Cracking a sternum can be a daunting task for those who have never done it before. It requires a lot of skill and precision, and can be a tricky maneuver for even experienced medical professionals. In this guide, we’ll be taking a look at the steps involved in cracking a sternum, as well as the potential risks and benefits of doing so.
What is a Sternum?
The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located in the center of the chest. It connects the ribs to the vertebral column and helps protect the heart and lungs. It is an important part of the body’s skeletal structure and is essential for maintaining a proper posture.
Why Crack a Sternum?
Cracking a sternum can be a useful medical procedure in certain cases. It is typically done when a doctor needs to gain access to the chest cavity in order to perform a procedure, such as a heart bypass or a lung transplant. It can also be done to relieve pressure on the chest, such as in the case of a collapsed lung.
How to Crack a Sternum
Cracking a sternum is a delicate procedure that requires precision and skill. The process usually involves an anesthesiologist and a surgeon. Here are the steps involved in cracking a sternum:
Step 1: Administer Anesthesia
The first step in cracking a sternum is to administer anesthesia. This is done to ensure that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure. The anesthesiologist will typically use a local anesthetic, such as lidocaine, to numb the area.
Step 2: Make an Incision
Once the patient is numb, the surgeon will make an incision in the chest. The incision will be made along the sternum and will go through the skin and muscle layers.
Step 3: Insert a Retractor
The surgeon will then insert a retractor into the incision. The retractor is a tool that helps to hold the skin and muscle layers apart. This will allow the surgeon to have better access to the sternum.
Step 4: Crack the Sternum
The surgeon will then use a tool to crack the sternum. This tool is usually a pair of forceps with sharp points. The forceps are placed on either side of the sternum and then used to apply pressure in order to crack the bone.
Step 5: Perform the Procedure
Once the sternum is cracked, the surgeon will be able to perform the necessary procedure. This could be a heart bypass, a lung transplant, or any other procedure that requires access to the chest cavity.
Step 6: Close the Incision
Once the procedure is complete, the surgeon will close the incision. This is usually done with a few stitches or staples.
Risks and Benefits of Cracking a Sternum
Cracking a sternum is a major medical procedure and there are risks and benefits associated with it. The potential risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. On the other hand, the potential benefits of cracking a sternum include improved access to the chest cavity, which can allow for better and more precise medical procedures.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a sternum?
The sternum, or breastbone, is a flat bone located in the center of the chest. It connects the ribs to the vertebral column and helps protect the heart and lungs.
Why crack a sternum?
Cracking a sternum can be a useful medical procedure in certain cases. It is typically done when a doctor needs to gain access to the chest cavity in order to perform a procedure, such as a heart bypass or a lung transplant. It can also be done to relieve pressure on the chest, such as in the case of a collapsed lung.
What are the steps involved in cracking a sternum?
The steps involved in cracking a sternum are as follows: administer anesthesia, make an incision, insert a retractor, crack the sternum, perform the procedure, and close the incision.
What are the risks of cracking a sternum?
The potential risks of cracking a sternum include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage.
What are the benefits of cracking a sternum?
The potential benefits of cracking a sternum include improved access to the chest cavity, which can allow for better and more precise medical procedures.
Can a sternum be cracked without anesthesia?
No, cracking a sternum without anesthesia is not recommended. Anesthesia is necessary to ensure that the patient does not feel any pain during the procedure.
What tool is used to crack the sternum?
The tool used to crack the sternum is usually a pair of forceps with sharp points. The forceps are placed on either side of the sternum and then used to apply pressure in order to crack the bone.
How long does it take to crack a sternum?
Cracking a sternum usually takes about 30 minutes to an hour. This includes the time to administer anesthesia and make the incision, as well as the time to crack the sternum and perform the procedure.
What happens after the sternum is cracked?
Once the sternum is cracked, the surgeon will be able to perform the necessary procedure. This could be a heart bypass, a lung transplant, or any other procedure that requires access to the chest cavity.
Is cracking a sternum painful?
No, cracking a sternum should not be painful as long as the patient has been properly anesthetized.
Is cracking a sternum dangerous?
Cracking a sternum is a major medical procedure and there are risks and benefits associated with it. The potential risks include infection, bleeding, and nerve damage. However, when done properly by an experienced medical professional, cracking a sternum is usually safe.