Management and Rehabilitation Post Median Sternotomy in Queensland

Abstract

Following median sternotomy, postoperative management and cardiac rehabilitation (CR) services advise limits to upper limb activity and lifting, due to concerns about wound dehiscence and sternal instability. With emerging evidence, post-surgical advice is transitioning from non-standardised, historical and load restricting guidelines toward an approach based on ergonomic and kinesiological principles; “Keep Your Move in the Tube (KMIT®)” [1]. The aim of this project was to evaluate current post-operative management and CR practice across Queensland, determine clinician knowledge of KMIT and identify willingness to change practice.