Table 4. Predictors of sternal healing scores.

Covariates2	3 months regression1				6 months regression1
	Effect ± SE	P value	95% CI		Effect ± SE	P value	95% CI
Rigid plate fixation	0.79±0.14	<0.0001	0.52 to 1.07		0.45±0.14	0.002	0.17 to 0.73
Higher BMI (per 5 kg/m2)	−0.20±0.07	0.008	−0.35 to −0.05		−0.28±0.08	<0.001	−0.43 to −0.13
Older age (per 10 years)	−0.15±0.06	0.012	−0.26 to −0.03		−0.20±0.06	0.001	−0.32 to −0.09
Current smoker	−0.62±0.26	0.021	−1.13 to −0.10		−0.63±0.25	0.014	−1.13 to −0.13

Notes: ¹, backwards stepwise regression with P<0.05 to stay; ², the following were also included in the initial models but were sequentially removed as not incrementally significant (P>0.05) in both models at both time points by the backwards stepwise procedures: peripheral artery disease, chronic lung disease, male gender, race, or time (hours), hypertension, cerebrovascular disease, diabetes, previous sternotomy, CABG, valve, and closure time (minutes). Diabetes was closely correlated with higher BMI. BMI, body mass index; CABG, coronary artery bypass graft.