Influence of sternal size and inadvertent paramedian sternotomy on stability of the closure site: A clinical and mechanical study  J. Zeitani, MD, PhD, A. Penta de Peppo, MD, M. Moscarelli, MD, L. Guerrieri Wolf, MD, A. Scafuri, MD, P. Nardi, MD, F. Nanni, PhD, E. Di Marzio, MD, P. De Vico, MD, L. Chiariello, MD  The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery  Volume 132, Issue 1, Pages 38-42 (July 2006) DOI: 10.1016/j.jtcvs.2006.03.015 Copyright © 2006 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Terms and Conditions

Figure 1 Photograph of the electromechanical testing system providing lateral distraction forces to the anchoring points on the rewired polyurethane sternal model. The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2006 132, 38-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jtcvs.2006.03.015) Copyright © 2006 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Terms and Conditions

Figure 2 Separation data of the rewired sternal models after midline (n = 3) or paramedian (n = 3) sternotomy, up to forces causing fracture. Displacement differs significantly from other group (P = .02). Fracture occurred earlier in models divided by paramedian sternotomy (220 ± 20 N vs 545 ± 25 N, P = .001). The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery 2006 132, 38-42DOI: (10.1016/j.jtcvs.2006.03.015) Copyright © 2006 The American Association for Thoracic Surgery Terms and Conditions