%0 Journal Article
%T Sternal plate fixation for sternal wound reconstruction: initial experience (Retrospective study)
%A Hosam Fawzy
%A Kannin Osei-Tutu
%A Lee Errett
%A David Latter
%A Daniel Bonneau
%A Melinda Musgrave
%A James Mahoney
%J Journal of Cardiothoracic Surgery
%D 2011
%I BioMed Central
%R 10.1186/1749-8090-6-63
%X A retrospective chart review of 40 consecutive patients who required sternal wound reconstruction post sternotomy was performed. Soft tissue debridement with removal of all compromised tissue was performed. Sternal debridement was carried using ronguers to healthy bleeding bone. All patients underwent sternal fixation using three rib plates combined with a single manubrial plate (Titanium Sternal Fixation System£¿, Synthes). Incisions were closed in a layered fashion with the pectoral muscles being advanced to the midline. Data were expressed as mean ¡À SD, Median (range) or number (%). Statistical analyses were made by using Excel 2003 for Windows (Microsoft, Redmond, WA, USA).There were 40 consecutive patients, 31 males and 9 females. Twenty two patients (55%) were diagnosed with sternal dehiscence alone and 18 patients (45%) with associated wound discharge. Thirty eight patients went on to heal their wounds. Two patients developed recurrent wound infection and required VAC therapy. Both were immunocompromised. Median post-op ICU stay was one day with the median hospital stay of 18 days after plating.Sternal plating appears to be an effective option for the treatment of sternal wound dehiscence associated with sternal instability. Long-term follow-up and further larger studies are needed to address the indications, benefits and complications of sternal plating.The median sternotomy incision remains appealing because it offers advantages paramount to cardiac surgery. It can be performed quickly, provides excellent exposure of vital chest structures, affords the safety of central cannulation for cardiopulmonary bypass, and is well tolerated by most patients [1].Since Julian re-introduced Milton's operation for median sternotomy in 1957 [2], numerous methods for sternal fixation have been described. The common mechanism leading to major and minor sternal complications is the inability to maintain stabilization of the sternotomy closure site. The current standard techni
%K Sternal Plating
%K Sternal Dehiscence
%U http://www.cardiothoracicsurgery.org/content/6/1/63