Calcium Phosphate Cements to Control Bleeding in Osteoporotic Sternums

Purpose A new method to control bleeding from fragile, severely osteoporotic sternums in patients undergoing open heart surgery. Description From January 2006 and January 2007, we used orthopedic calcium phosphate cement in 11 patients to control sternal table bleeding. Each patient had greater than 35% of their sternal table surface missing and had associated bleeding after open heart surgery. The cement was packed into the deficient sternal table surface at the conclusion of surgery, just prior to closure. Evaluation All patients had immediate cessation of bleeding from their sternums, despite large superficial sternal deficits, after the cement was applied. All patients made uneventful recoveries and none required exploration for bleeding after surgery. There were no instances of superficial or deep sternal wound infections. At follow-up all sternums were well healed and firm. Seven patients had computed tomographic scans performed at 6 months revealing excellent complete sternal healing. Conclusions Calcium phosphate cement can be used safely to control bleeding in patients with osteoporotic sternums and seems to be safe to use in the sternum.