A new technique in complex chest wall reconstruction: Open reduction and internal fixation

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Pediatric Surgery
• Thoracic Surgery

Background:

• Complex chest wall deformities present significant surgical challenges.
• Existing reconstruction methods may not always yield optimal long-term outcomes or patient satisfaction.

Purpose of the Study:

• To describe and evaluate a novel technique for complex chest wall reconstruction.
• To assess the efficacy and patient satisfaction associated with open reduction and internal fixation (ORIF) using SternaLock® and RibFix®.

Main Methods:

• A multicenter case series study involving pediatric patients from September 2015 to January 2018.
• Detailed description of the evolution and application of ORIF with SternaLock® and RibFix® for chest wall deformities.
• Level IV evidence.

Main Results:

• Seventeen pediatric patients underwent reconstruction for pectus excavatum, pectus carinatum, or complex fractures.
• High patient satisfaction (100%) reported for both postoperative recovery and cosmetic outcomes.
• No postsurgical complications were observed during a median follow-up of 12 months.

Conclusions:

• ORIF with SternaLock® and RibFix® is a safe and effective method for reconstructing complex chest wall deformities.
• The technique provides improved physical stability and enhances patient satisfaction without requiring additional surgeries.
• This approach is recommended for high-volume centers managing challenging chest wall reconstructions.