Sternal reconstruction using titanium plates for complicated upper hemi-sternum dehiscence

Area of Science:

• Cardiothoracic Surgery
• Biomaterials in Medicine

Background:

• Sternal dehiscence (SD) following sternotomy presents significant morbidity and healthcare costs.
• Minimally invasive and sternal-sparing approaches are increasingly favored to reduce SD risk.
• Traditional management with rewiring may fail in high-risk patients prone to recurrent sternal breakdown.

Observation:

• This study addresses a complicated upper hemi-sternal dehiscence after aortic valve replacement via upper hemi-sternotomy.
• Rigid sternal fixation using titanium plates is explored as an alternative treatment for high-risk patients.

Findings:

• Surgical reconstruction of the upper hemi-sternum was performed using titanium plates.
• This approach achieved rigid sternal fixation.

Implications:

• Titanium plate fixation offers a promising alternative for managing complex sternal dehiscence in high-risk surgical patients.
• This technique may improve outcomes and reduce complications associated with sternal instability after cardiac surgery.