Move in the Tube Sternal Precautions: A Retrospective Analysis of a Single Inpatient Rehabilitation Facility

Purpose: To assess the admitting characteristics, adverse events, and rehabilitation outcomes of patients adhering to move in the tube (MIT) or standard sternal precautions in an inpatient rehabilitation facility (IRF). Methods: This study is a retrospective analysis of 273 patients admitted to a single IRF. Patients followed the sternal precautions recommended by their admitting acute care hospitals. One hundred ninety patients' assigned standard and 83 patients' assigned MIT sternal precautions were evaluated. Admitting characteristics, including comorbidities and functional status, were compared between cohorts. Hospital readmissions, sternal disruptions, length of stay, functional independence at discharge, and discharge destination were also assessed. Results: Patients adhering to MIT precautions had higher levels of functional independence at admission despite a higher frequency of combined coronary artery bypass grafts/valve surgeries, comorbidities, and prior functional limitations. There was no difference in sternal wound disruptions, return to hospital rates, length of IRF stay, or functional independence levels at discharge between cohorts. Conclusions: Patients on MIT precautions were admitted to an IRF with more medical complications but higher functional independence. Both groups had minimal sternal complications, providing evidence that modified sternal precautions are safe and can benefit patients in an IRF setting.