Dehiscence

The splitting or opening of a wound

Authors

Affiliations

Nate Yomogida, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.S. in Kinesiology

Chloë Kerstein, B.S., SPT

Doctor of Physical Therapy

B.A. in Neuroscience

Dehiscence is defined as the splitting or opening of a wound

Sternal Dehiscence

Especially a concern with median sternotomies

Prevention:

• Sternal precautions are created to avoid dehiscence
• But there is limited evidence on dehiscence risk reduction

Risk for sternal dehiscence

• Obesity
• Large breasts (men or women)
• COPD (pressure of coughing)
• Diabetes (delayed healing)
• Smoke
• Vascular disease