Transverse sternal plating in secondary sternal reconstruction
Joseph Huh1, Faisal Bakaeen, Danny Chu
1Division of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Michael E. DeBakey Veterans Affairs Medical Center, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, Texas 77030, USA. jhuh@bcm.tmc.edu
The Journal of Thoracic and Cardiovascular Surgery
|December 31, 2008
Summary
Transverse sternal plating offers a valuable solution for sternal instability after cardiac surgery. This technique successfully achieved sternal stability in all patients, proving effective for complex reconstructions.
Area of Science:
- Cardiothoracic Surgery
- Biomaterials and Medical Devices
Background:
- Sternal instability following cardiac surgery is an infrequent but challenging complication.
- Traditional treatment often involves operative rewiring.
- Transverse rib-to-rib stabilization using titanium plates presents a newer alternative.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the clinical utility of a transverse plating system for sternal fixation in a cardiothoracic practice.
- To assess the effectiveness of titanium plates in managing sternal instability.
Main Methods:
- Retrospective review of 15 sternal reconstruction procedures in 14 patients.
- Utilized the Synthes titanium sternal plate system between June 2004 and June 2007.
- Analyzed indications, patient demographics, and outcomes.
Main Results:
- All 15 procedures achieved sternal stability with minimal postoperative pain.
- Indications included chronic and acute sternal dehiscence, mediastinitis, and sternal plate fracture.
- Complications were infrequent, including one infection, one plate fracture, and one seroma.
Conclusions:
- The transverse sternal plating system is a valuable tool for complex sternal reconstructions.
- It provides an effective alternative to wire closure for sternal fractures and instability.
- The system demonstrated successful stability in all treated cases.
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