Cracking your sternum, also known as sternal separation, is a procedure that can be carried out in a doctor’s office or hospital setting. The procedure involves the use of a special instrument called a sternal separator, which is used to separate the sternum so that the patient can have access to the area of the chest that is affected. This procedure is often used to treat conditions related to the ribs, such as rib fractures, or to improve the range of motion of the chest wall.
The procedure is relatively simple and straightforward, and it involves the insertion of a separator into the chest wall between the two halves of the sternum. The separator is then used to push the two halves of the sternum apart, allowing the patient to gain access to the area of the chest that is affected. The procedure is usually performed under local anesthetic and can take up to an hour. In some cases, the patient may require general anesthesia.
Why Might You Need to Crack Your Sternum?
Cracking your sternum may be necessary in order to treat a variety of conditions that involve the ribs or chest wall. It may be used to treat rib fractures or other injuries, or to improve the range of motion of the chest wall. In some cases, it may also be necessary to perform the procedure in order to gain access to the chest cavity in order to perform surgery or other procedures.
Are There Any Risks Involved With Cracking Your Sternum?
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with cracking your sternum. These include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and pain. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
What Happens During the Procedure?
The procedure begins with the patient lying on their back. The doctor then inserts the separator into the chest wall between the two halves of the sternum. The separator is then used to push the two halves of the sternum apart. The patient may feel some discomfort during this process, but this should not last long.
Once the sternum is successfully separated, the doctor will be able to gain access to the area of the chest that is affected. Depending on the underlying condition, the doctor may then take further steps to treat the condition, such as performing surgery or inserting a device. After the procedure is complete, the patient will be monitored until the effects of the anesthetic have worn off.
What Happens After the Procedure?
After the procedure is complete, the patient should take it easy for a few days and avoid any strenuous physical activity. The patient should also take any medications that were prescribed by the doctor. In some cases, the patient may need to wear a chest brace for a few weeks to support the sternum and help it heal.
The patient should also pay close attention to any signs of infection or other complications, such as pain or swelling. If any of these symptoms occur, the patient should contact their doctor right away.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is sternal separation?
Sternal separation is a procedure in which a special instrument called a sternal separator is used to separate the two halves of the sternum. This allows the doctor to gain access to the area of the chest that is affected.
Who performs the procedure?
The procedure is usually performed by a doctor or medical professional in a hospital or doctor’s office setting.
Is there any pain associated with the procedure?
The patient may feel some discomfort during the procedure, but this should not last long. After the procedure is complete, the patient may experience some mild pain or discomfort, but this should subside within a few days.
Are there any risks associated with the procedure?
As with any medical procedure, there are some risks associated with cracking your sternum. These include infection, bleeding, nerve damage, and pain. It is important to discuss any potential risks with your doctor before undergoing the procedure.
What should I do after the procedure?
After the procedure is complete, the patient should take it easy for a few days and avoid any strenuous physical activity. The patient should also take any medications that were prescribed by the doctor. In some cases, the patient may need to wear a chest brace for a few weeks to support the sternum and help it heal.
How long does it take to recover from sternal separation?
The recovery time from sternal separation depends on the underlying condition and the type of treatment that was performed. In most cases, the patient should be able to return to normal activities within a few weeks.
What should I do if I experience any complications after the procedure?
If any complications occur after the procedure, such as pain or swelling, the patient should contact their doctor right away.
Can sternal separation be used to treat any other conditions?
In some cases, sternal separation can be used to treat other conditions, such as rib fractures or other injuries, or to improve the range of motion of the chest wall.
Can I return to work after sternal separation?
This depends on the underlying condition and the type of treatment that was performed. The patient should discuss this with their doctor in order to determine when it is safe to return to work.
What are the long-term effects of sternal separation?
The long-term effects of sternal separation are dependent on the underlying condition and the type of treatment that was performed. Generally, most patients experience no long-term effects.
Can I drive after sternal separation?
The patient should discuss this with their doctor in order to determine when it is safe to drive. Generally, the patient should wait until they are no longer under the effects of anesthesia and have been medically cleared to do so.
How long does the procedure take?
The procedure usually takes up to an hour to complete.
Is there any scarring associated with the procedure?
In most cases, there is no visible scarring from the procedure.