Table 4.

Sternal Instability Scale

Grade of motion	Modified Sternal Instability Scale
0	Clinically stable sternum (no detectable motion)—normal
1	Minimally separated sternum (slight increase in motion upon special testing*)
2	Partially separated sternum—regional (moderate increase in motion upon special testing*)
3	Completely separated sternum—entire length (marked increase in motion upon special testing*)

*Special testing may include shoulder flexion, trunk rotation, lateral flexion, coughing and opposing movements of the upper limbs, either unilaterally or bilaterally