Mid-Term Results After Sternal Reconstruction Using Titanium Plates - Is It Worth It To Plate?

The authors retrospectively examined the mid-term outcomes in 34 patients who required stabilization of the sternum with the Synthes Titanium Sternal Fixation System for either established sternal dehiscence or  high risk for sternal dehiscence.  Reported outcomes (at a median follow-up period of 1.4 years) were as follows:

• All patients had stable sternums on physical exam.
• Bone consolidation assessment by CT scans on follow-up showed: complete consolidation of bone in 26% of patients, near-complete in 39%, partial in 10%, and missing in 26%.
• 13 patients (38%) required plate removal for either pain or infection.

While thoracic stabilization was thus achievable, the authors caution that the non-negligible complication rate should reserve plating for patients at high risk for dehiscence and who are unsuitable for standard closure.