PECTUS CARINATUM: A NOVEL METHOD OF STERNAL FIXATION

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Surgical Innovation

Background:

• Traditional pectus carinatum repair involves sternal fixation with a stainless steel bar (Adkin’s strut).
• This method necessitates a second surgical procedure for bar removal.
• Metallic implants can obscure views in subsequent diagnostic imaging.

Observation:

• A new technique for sternal fixation using nonabsorbable sutures is described.
• Sutures are placed anterior to the sternum in a transverse and crossed fashion.
• This method aims to provide stable fixation without metallic implants.

Findings:

• The suture technique provides stable sternal fixation.
• It eliminates the need for a second operation to remove a metallic strut.
• This method avoids metallic implants, enhancing future imaging clarity (X-rays, CT scans, MRI).

Implications:

• The suture method offers a potentially more patient-acceptable alternative to metallic struts.
• Reduced need for secondary surgery simplifies patient management.
• The absence of implants improves diagnostic imaging, potentially leading to earlier detection of thoracic abnormalities.
• This technique is likely more cost-effective than traditional methods.