Sternal reconstruction with titanium plates in complicated sternal dehiscence.

OBJECTIVE: Sternal dehiscence after median sternotomy can be a challenging problem in case of multiple fractures or infection. The use of titanium plates is a promising approach for sternal reconstruction. METHODS: Titanium plate fixation was used in 15 patients (67+/-5.9 years, 171+/-8.2 cm, 93.6+/-14.9 kg, body mass index 32+/-5 kg/m(2)) with unstable thorax after failed attempts of sternal closure and patients in whom failure of conventional rewiring would be expected due to one or more serious risk factors (e.g. multiple fractures or loss of sternum, excessive overweight). In six patients, one of whom had an infection, the Synthes Titanium Sternal Fixation System was used as transverse plate fixation (series 1). In nine other patients, longitudinal titanium plating of the sternum was performed with 2.4mm Synthes locking reconstruction plates, which were cross-connected by wires (series 2). In six of these patients the cross-connection was reinforced by additional short transverse plates. In series 2, sternal instability was complicated by multiple fragments of sternum (n=8) and/or infection (n=3). In case of infection, initial debridement was performed with consecutive antibiotic and topical negative pressure therapy (median 13 days). Clinical examination was done 3-12 months postoperatively. RESULTS: Mean operation time was 133+/-21 min (series 1) and 110+/-12 min (series 2). Transverse plating required more extensive mobilization of pectoral muscle. All patients had an uneventful early postoperative course and were extubated 5.1+/-5.9h (median 4 h) after surgery. Postoperatively, all patients had a stable thorax, but in the long-term three patients from series 1 complained of plate-related pain during breathing, with the subsequent need of plate removal. One multi morbid patient from series 1 died on the 31st postoperative day. The cause of death was not related to the sternal plate refixation. CONCLUSION: Titanium plate fixation is an effective method to stabilize complicated sternal dehiscence. The longitudinal plating technique is easier to apply and seems to be associated with fewer complications.     

Sternal wound dehiscence after transverse thoracosternotomy for bilateral lung transplantation: Report of a case

Transverse thoracosternotomy is the standard approach for bilateral lung transplantation (BLT), but all measures must be taken to prevent breakdown of the sternal wound. We report a case of sternal dehiscence with subcutaneous and peristernal air collections, which occurred 1 month after BLT, performed through a transverse thoracosternotomy, in a 38-year-old man. Surgical exploration revealed that the sternal wires had cut through the bone, causing air leakage of both lungs. We repaired the injured lungs and reapproximated the sternum; however, a pseudo-joint of the sternum developed postoperatively. We report the clinical course of this post-transplant patient to highlight the impact and management of sternal dehiscence.     

Resuture using Shirodkar tape for sternal dehiscence after extended thymectomy via median sternotomy

Sternal dehiscence is one complication after median sternotomy. We followed a patient with sternal dehiscence for 6 months after extended thymectomy via median sternotomy. His diagnosis was myasthenia gravis without thymoma and with complicating diabetes mellitus. Sixteen days after the operation chest radiography revealed that one of six sternal wires was cut, although sternal dehiscence was not apparent. Six months after the operation, chest radiography revealed that five of six wires were cut. The patient experienced sternal dehiscence, could not cough, and felt pain at the median wound site. We implemented a resuture technique of the sternum using Shirodkar tape for postoperative sternal dehiscence. After the second operation, sternal dehiscence was not apparent. He was able to cough and had no respiratory deficiency. One year after the second operation, chest computed tomography revealed no sternal dehiscence. Shirodkar tape is extremely useful and is low in price.     

Complicated sternal dehiscence treated with the strasbourg thoracic osteosyntheses system (STRATOS) and the transposition of greater omentum: a case report

Sternal dehiscence is a serious complication after cardiac surgery. Sternal refixation, performed by simple rewiring or techniqual modification of rewiring as described by Robicsek, can fail, overall when the bone quality is poor or the sternum is completely destroyed. The sternal closure systems, consisting of plates, screws or rib clips and titanium bars, have been recently introduced to treat the complicated sternal dehiscence. We describe for the first time the use of the Strasbourg Thoracic Osteosyntheses System (STRATOS) and the greater omentum, to treat a complicated sternal dehiscence, causing chest pain and respiratory failure.     

Sternal plating to prevent malunion of transverse sternotomy in lung transplantation

Sternal malunion can be a significant cause of morbidity in double-lung transplantation when it is performed through a thoracosternotomy or clamshell incision. Some patients experience increased pain with malunion and have delayed or decreased functional recovery. We propose a method of sternal plating to decrease the incidence of sternal malunion encountered with this incision. The transverse sternotomy can be rigidly fixed with two titanium interlocking plates during chest closure, a procedure that offers the potential for timely and consistent union of the sternum. The interlocking plate configuration also affords a unique quality to this closure; a pin securing the two plates can be quickly released allowing expedient access to mediastinal structures if emergent re-entry is necessary.     

Application of the titanium plate fixation system in sternum transverse incisions

The purpose of this study was to review the application of the titanium plate fixation system in sternum transverse incisions and assess its advantages over the conventional methods of steel wire fixation. Sternal healing of 249 patients who underwent a thymectomy and/or excision of the thymoma with a transverse sternal incision was compared between patients who underwent titanium plate fixation or steel wire fixation. Short-term results: The stability of the sternum was significantly superior in the titanium plate group compared with the steel wire group (P < 0.01). Out-of-bed activities started earlier for patients in the titanium plate group compared with the steel wire group (P < 0.01). Long-term results: The sternal healing rate in the titanium plate group was significantly higher than the steel wire group (P < 0.05). Titanium plate fixation improves the postoperative sternal stability in patients with transverse sternal incisions for thymectomy and/or excision of a thymoma. Titanium plate fixation also reduces postoperative pain, enhances the patient's physical activity, and decreases the long-term nonunion rate of the sternum.     

Rigid fixation of the sternum using a new coupled titanium transverse plate fixation system

Restoration of sternal integrity after median sternotomy for cardiac interventions better ensures optimal postoperative pulmonary function and minimizes overall morbidity. Sternal dehiscence or nonunion mitigates against such a successful outcome. Under such circumstances, if enough viable and uninfected sternum remains, an anatomic reduction should be attempted. Rewiring usually proves unsuccessful, and rigid plate fixation is more rewarding. A new titanium sternal fixation system that permits transverse orientation of plates has been used in 4 patients who had sterile complete or imminent sternal dehiscence to allow eventual sternal union. The specific advantage of this new system is the presence of a releasing pin in the center of coupled plates to allow rapid chest reentry if required without the specific need for cumbersome plate removal. One patient had delayed removal of an infected plate after sternal union was achieved.     

Closure of infected sternal wounds with a unilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap in addition to bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps

We have recently added to our regimen a unilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap to cover the lower sternum and adjacent soft tissues, in addition to bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps for closure of infected sternal wounds. Twenty patients underwent this procedure for closure of infected sternal wounds after initial débridement at our institutions. There were no intraoperative deaths in this series, but three patients died of other medical conditions. Two patients developed hematomas and one developed recurrent sternal wound infection after surgery; two had superficial wound infections and five had minor wound problems (i.e., skin edge necrosis). All surviving patients (17/20, 85%) had healed sternal wounds with normal chest contour and there were no instances of flap necrosis, sternal wound dehiscence, or abdominal wall hernia during the follow-up (18–60 months). Based upon our experience, we recommend a unilateral rectus abdominis muscle flap in addition to bilateral pectoralis major myocutaneous advancement flaps for selected patients with infected sternal wounds. This approach provides reliable soft tissue coverage with acceptable morbidity and mortality in this high-risk patient population. Received: 29 July 1998 / Accepted: 1 March 1999     

Clinical studies of bioabsorbable poly-L-lactide sternal coaptation pins.

BACKGROUND: Median sternotomy has become the most commonly used incision in cardiac surgery. Since sternal dehiscence, however, is a major complication, we used bioabsorbable poly-L-lactide (P-L-LA) sternal coaptation pins for sternal closure to prevent it. METHODS: From February 1998 to October 1999, 99 patients (64 men, 35 women; mean age, 63+/-1.2 years) underwent median sternotomy for cardiac surgery using sternal coaptation pins. Nineteen patients had diabetes mellitus and seven had renal failure. In closure, two sternal pins were inserted into the bone marrow of the sternum, one into the manubrium, the other into the body, and the sternum was sutured with five stainless steel wires. RESULTS: Five patients died in the hospital. The causes of death were cardiac failure in two patients, respiratory problem in two and perforation of the stomach in one. The average length of hospitalization was 2 4.5+/-2.5 days. Sternal dehiscence occurred in one patient and mediastinitis in four. There was no bleeding from the bone marrow and no complication related to the use of the sternal pins. CONCLUSIONS: P-L-LA sternal pins were easy to insert and may be effective in preventing dehiscence of the sternum.     

Midterm Results of Sternal Band Closure in Open Heart Surgery and Risk Analysis of Sternal Band Removal

Sternal dehiscence, which is responsible for the development of mediastinitis, is a serious complication after cardiothoracic surgery. We retrospectively compared the results of two methods for sternal closure after cardiothoracic surgery performed during January 2009 to May 2012. The methods comprised closure with sternal bands and steel wires (group A, n = 92) versus conventional closure using steel wires alone (group B, n = 442). Although not significantly different between the two groups, no patients undergoing sternal band closure experienced dehiscence or mediastinitis. The incidence of having to remove materials used for sternal closure was significantly higher in group A than in group B. In each case of removal in group A, the materials removed were sternal bands whose tips had caused direct cutaneous irritation. Thus, although sternal bands may be effective for rigid sternal closure, they must sometimes be removed because of chest discomfort caused by the tip of the band.     

Sternal Stabilization by Interlocking Wires: An Alternative Simple Technique for High-Risk Patients

Abstract   Background: Sternal dehiscence following midline sternotomy is associated with significant morbidity and mortality in high-risk patients. Methods: A novel simple technique of sternal stabilization after midline sternotomy by interlocking wires was introduced in high-risk patients with morbid obesity, diabetes, osteoporosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, bilateral internal thoracic artery harvesting, or various combinations of the above. Results: A sternal stabilization by interlocking wires was performed in 25 consecutive high-risk patients. Stable sternum was achieved in all patients despite multiple risk factors. Conclusion: We describe a simple technique of interlocking wires that provides excellent stabilization of the sternum after midline stenotomy in high-risk patients. This technique utilizes the benefit of figure-eight wires, provides the continuity of the weave and effectively prevents cutting of the wires through the sternum without compromising its blood supply.     

Successful three-year outcome in a patient with allogenous sternal bone graft in the treatment of massive post-sternotomy defects

IntroductionDeep sternal wound infection is a life-threatening complication of longitudinal median sternotomy with extensive loss of sternal bone tissue and adjacent ribs. Wound dehiscence cases with no loss of bone tissue can be resolved via osteosynthesis using titanium plates. Unfortunately, this cannot be used in cases of massive bone tissue loss defects due to insufficient support for fixing the plate material caused by missing bone surface which increasing the risk of osteosynthesis failure. We describe the treatment outcome of sternal dehiscence with massive bone tissue loss defects using an allogenous sternal bone graft.Case PresentationA 62 year old diabetic female was operated for serious sternotomy dehiscence after surgery for aortic valve replacement. There was bone tissue loss and complications. We used allogenous sternal bone graft to close the wound. To monitor the healing of the graft, we performed SPECT/CT examinations of anterior chest wall. We describe the successful healing of the graft with the reduction of defects in osteoblastic activity by 42% 21 months after the graft implantation. The wound was found to be healed on all examinations, The chest wall is stable and the patient reports a good life quality.DiscussionAn allogenous bone transplant contains no vital bone marrow cells, which eliminates immuno-genetic graft rejection by the patient. Significant osteoblastic activity was thus registered, especially in places where crushed spongy bone had been applied.ConclusionsTransplantation of allogenous bone graft sternum in our experience is the best option for treating extensive post-sternotomy defects.     

Use of VAC therapy and sternal plating in the treatment of sternotomy wound dehiscence

Sternal dehiscence has a high morbidity and mortality. Many treatment modalities have evolved. Early wound management and closure has a positive outcome. Vacuum-assisted closure (VAC) therapy has proven to be effective, and recently the closure of the sternum with internal plate fixation appears to be beneficial. We present a small series with their combined usage. We retrospectively reviewed eight cases of sternal wound dehiscence or sepsis referred to our unit for further management for the period January 2006 to December 2007. The subjects consisted of five males and three females with their ages ranging from 47 to 74 years (mean = 63 years). All patients had a premorbid history of hypertension and hyperlipidemia and five of diabetes. The patients were managed with a combination of serial debridement, VAC therapy, and sternal internal plate fixation and bilateral pectoralis major advancement flap. In three patients, final closure was obtained after sternal plating. Two patients achieved final closure by VAC therapy only. Three patients died of multiple-organ failure while undergoing wound bed preparation. We believe the use of VAC therapy and definitive wound closure using sternal plating, as part of a staged treatment, is an effective method for managing sternotomy wound dehiscence.     

Trends in postcoronary artery bypass graft sternal wound dehiscence in a provincial population

BACKGROUND:

It appears that the medical profile of patients undergoing coronary artery bypass graft (CABG) surgery has changed. The impact of this demographic shift on CABG outcomes, such as sternal wound dehiscence, is unclear.

OBJECTIVES:

To quantify the incidence and trends of sternal wound dehiscence, quantify the demographic shift of those undergoing CABG and identify patient factors predictive of disease.

METHODS:

A prospective analysis was performed on a historical cohort of consecutive patients who underwent CABG (without valve replacement) in Alberta between April 1, 2002 and November 30, 2009. The incidence and trends of sternal wound dehiscence were determined. In addition, the trend of the mean Charlson index score and European System for Cardiac Operative Risk Evaluation (EuroSCORE) (capturing patient comorbidities) was analyzed. Univariable analysis and multivariable models were performed to determine factors predictive of wound dehiscence.

RESULTS:

A total of 5815 patients underwent CABG during the study period. The incidence proportion of sternal wound dehiscence in Alberta was 1.86% and the incidence rate was 1.98 cases per 100 person-years. Although both the EuroSCORE and Charlson scores significantly increased over the study period, the incidence of sternal wound dehiscence did not change significantly. Factors predictive of sternal wound dehiscence were diabetes (OR 2.97 [95% CI 1.73 to 5.10]), obesity (OR 1.55 [95% CI 1.05 to 2.27]) and female sex (OR 1.90 [95% CI 1.26 to 2.87]).

CONCLUSIONS:

The incidence proportion of sternal wound dehiscence in Alberta was comparable with the incidence previously published in the literature. While patients undergoing CABG had worsening medical profiles, the incidence of sternal wound dehiscence did not appear to be increasing significantly.     

Interlocking figure-of-8 closure of the sternum

Sternal dehiscence and mediastinitis are two of the most severe complications of a median sternotomy. A technique of closure is described that appears to provide a more stable sternal approximation without any increase in overall complication rate. Using this technique in 978 consecutive patients, no cases of sternal dehiscence or mediastinitis have been seen.     

胸骨内生软骨瘤1例

胸骨肿瘤包括原发性肿瘤和继发性肿瘤,胸骨肿瘤的治疗临床一般选择手术切除的方式.内生软骨瘤是一种软骨源性骨肿瘤,最多见于手足等短管状骨,其次位于肱骨、股骨等长骨,也有生长于盆骨等处.本文介绍1例较为罕见的胸骨内生软骨瘤患者,该患者实施了胸壁重建术.     

Repair of pectus excavatum without the introduction of exogenous material

We review our experience of surgical repair for pectus excavatum without the introduction of exogenous material. Two hundred seven patients underwent surgical repair. Sterno-costal elevation was adopted for 196 patients. Sternal turnover was employed for 11 adult patients with severe asymmetric deformities. In sterno-costal elevation, a section of the 3rd or 4th to the 7th costal cartilages were resected, and all of the cartilage stumps were resutured to the sternum. The secured ribs generate 0.5 to 12 kg of tension, pulling the sternum bilaterally, such that the resultant force causes the sternum to rise anteriorly and prevents flail chest. We've made modifications such as resection of the lower tip of the sternum below the 6th cartilage junction, or a diagonal groove on the sternal cortex to get better correction in any age group. There were neither operative death nor any severe complications, and in all cases the deformities were corrected satisfactorily. Patients resumed unlimited daily activities within 3 months after surgery. Our technique represents a less invasive procedure with low operative risk for the repair of pectus excavatum in any age group.     

Corpus Sterni Reinforcement Improves the Stability of Primary Sternal Closure in High-Risk Patients

Purpose To compare standard sternal closure techniques with reinforcement longitudinal wire placement in the corpus sterni in high-risk patients undergoing open-heart surgery via median sternotomy. Methods The subjects of this study were 71 high-risk patients, 32 (45%) of whom underwent sternal closure by conventional methods (group 1) and 39 (55%) of whom underwent sternal closure with corpus sterni reinforcement. The patients were followed up for a mean period of 90 days. Results In group 2, none of the patients had sternal dehiscence and no revision was required, but in group 1, five (15.5%) patients had sternal dehiscence. This difference was significant between the groups (P = 0.024), but there were no significant differences in mediastinitis and mortality (P > 0.05). Conclusions Our findings suggest that primary sternal closure with longitudinal wire reinforcement on both sides of the corpus sterni will decrease the risk of infection and improve wound-healing in parallel with a decrease in sternal dehiscence.     

Sternal osteomyelitis: use of vacuum-assisted closure device as an adjunct to definitive closure with sternectomy and muscle flap reconstruction

OBJECTIVES: Sternal osteomyelitis following cardiac surgery often requires debridement and flap coverage. The VAC (vacuum-assisted closure) device has been useful in complex wound coverage. A retrospective review of a single surgeon's experience with sternal reconstruction using the VAC device as an adjunct to debridement and muscle flap reconstruction was performed. METHODS: Thirteen consecutive patients over a 34-month period underwent debridement and reconstruction of sternal wounds. Eleven patients (85%) were males, and two (15%) were females. Mean age was 61 years (range: 43-73 years). Acute purulent sternal infections occurred in seven patients, while chronic sternal osteomyelitis was seen in six patients. Use of the VAC device during the perioperative period was evaluated. RESULTS: Of the 13 patients, the VAC device was used prior to flap closure in six patients, and after flap closure in two patients. Sternal debridement with bilateral pectoralis muscle flaps was used to reconstruct 12 patients, and one patient underwent debridement only with VAC placement. All 13 patients (100%) had complete closure of their complex wounds at an average of follow-up of 14 months. CONCLUSIONS: The VAC device is useful in the treatment of sternal osteomyelitis in three contexts: (1) as a temporary wound care technique preoperatively that minimizes dressing changes and prevents shear stresses of an open sternum, (2) as the sole method of wound closure in specific cases, and (3) as a technique to facilitate healing in postoperative flap reconstruction cases complicated by reinfection.     

Sternal Fracture Should Prompt the Evaluation of the Entire Spine in Trauma Patients

Abstract Background and Purpose: Sternal fracture has traditionally been considered an indicator of a severe mechanism of trauma, which warrants careful evaluation of the patient for accompanying injuries. The purpose of this study is to determine the incidence, distribution and mechanisms of spinal fractures associated with fractures of the sternum. Material and Methods: Trauma registry data, medical records and X-rays of all patients admitted to the Trauma Unit at Hillel-Yaffe Medical Center, Hadera, Israel, with a diagnosis of sternal fracture during a 6-year period, between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2002, were reviewed retrospectively. Results: 147 patients with sternal fracture were eligible for analysis. The combination of spinal fracture in association with sternal fracture was found in 19 patients (13%), ten males (52.7%) and nine females (47.3%). Mean age was 49 years and mean Injury Severity Score (ISS) 18.6. Motor vehicle accidents were the most common cause of these fractures. An unusually high proportion of cervical spine fractures (36.8%) was noted. Three of the 19 patients (15.5%) with sternal and spinal fractures also suffered from cardiac contusion, confirmed by an elevation of the MB fraction of creatine phosphokinase, ECG changes, and regional hypokinetic areas on echocardiography. Conclusion: Recent studies indicate that the incidence of sternal fracture has risen while its association with accompanying serious injuries has lessened. This is most likely due to the increased use of seat belts in motor vehicle accidents. In both theory and practice spinal fracture is an associated injury in cases of sternal fracture, and usually involves the thoracic level. The authors describe an almost equal distribution of the level of spinal injury, with an unusually high proportion of cervical involvement. They also found a high incidence of myocardial contusion among patients with combined sternal and spinal fractures. Therefore, X-ray evaluation of the entire spine in patients suffering from a fractured sternum, and closer cardiac monitoring of patients with both sternal and spinal fractures are recommended.