Jove
Visualize
Contact Us
JoVE
x logofacebook logolinkedin logoyoutube logo
ABOUT JoVE
OverviewLeadershipBlogJoVE Help Center
AUTHORS
Publishing ProcessEditorial BoardScope & PoliciesPeer ReviewFAQSubmit
LIBRARIANS
TestimonialsSubscriptionsAccessResourcesLibrary Advisory BoardFAQ
RESEARCH
JoVE JournalMethods CollectionsJoVE Encyclopedia of ExperimentsArchive
EDUCATION
JoVE CoreJoVE BusinessJoVE Science EducationJoVE Lab ManualFaculty Resource CenterFaculty Site
Terms & Conditions of Use
Privacy Policy
Policies

Related Experiment Video

Updated: May 21, 2026

Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling
15:11

Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling

Published on: January 5, 2015

Trans-sternal titanium fixation bars: an initial experience with 28 patients.

Norman H Schulman1

  • 1Division of Plastic Surgery, Lenox Hill Hospital, Weil-Cornell Medical College, New York, NY 10075, USA. NormskipV@aol.com

Annals of Plastic Surgery
|June 23, 2012
PubMed
Summary

Titanium trans-sternal fixation bars provide rigid fixation for sternotomy wound closure in high-risk patients. This method enhances bone healing and improves respiratory function, showing positive outcomes in initial cases.

Related Concept Videos

You might also read

Related Articles

Articles linked to this work by shared authors, journal, and citation graph.

Sort by
Same author

Sternal wound reconstruction: 252 consecutive cases. The Lenox Hill experience.

Plastic and reconstructive surgeryยท2004
See all related articles

Area of Science:

  • Thoracic surgery
  • Surgical innovation
  • Biomaterials in medicine

Background:

  • Sternotomy is a common surgical approach, but sternal dehiscence poses significant risks, especially in high-risk patients.
  • Traditional sternal closure methods may be insufficient for patients with compromised respiratory function or severe comorbidities.
  • Effective sternal stabilization is crucial for patient recovery and preventing complications.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To evaluate the clinical application and efficacy of titanium trans-sternal fixation bars for sternal closure.
  • To assess the benefits of rigid fixation in high-risk sternotomy patients, focusing on bone healing and respiratory function.
  • To determine if this technique offers advantages over conventional methods in challenging surgical cases.

Main Methods:

More Related Videos

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
04:41

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner

Published on: June 6, 2025

Related Experiment Videos

Last Updated: May 21, 2026

Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling
15:11

Surgical Fixation of Sternal Fractures: Preoperative Planning and a Safe Surgical Technique Using Locked Titanium Plates and Depth Limited Drilling

Published on: January 5, 2015

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
04:41

Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner

Published on: June 6, 2025

  • Clinical experience with 28 high-risk sternotomy patients utilizing titanium trans-sternal fixation bars for primary or secondary sternal closure.
  • Application of the principle of rigid fixation to ensure sternal stability and promote bone healing.
  • Assessment of respiratory function improvements, including thoracic compliance and lung support, in patients with pulmonary compromise.

Main Results:

  • Positive clinical outcomes were observed in the majority of the initial 28 patients treated with titanium fixation bars.
  • Rigid fixation facilitated rapid and strong bone healing of the sternotomy wound.
  • Restoration of thoracic compliance and support improved respiratory function, particularly in patients with severe pulmonary compromise.

Conclusions:

  • Titanium trans-sternal fixation bars offer a viable and effective solution for sternal closure and stability in high-risk sternotomy patients.
  • The principle of rigid fixation using these bars not only ensures bone healing but also significantly benefits respiratory mechanics.
  • Despite potential challenges in application and cost, the positive results justify the use of this advanced fixation system in selected patient populations.