Closure of partial median sternotomy with absorbable sutures: a practical and safe option.
A technique for the closure of upper median sternotomy with absorbable polyglycolid acid sutures is described. In a consecutive series of 130 refixations, no major complications occurred. After a mean follow-up period of 66 +/- 61 months, the long-term results concerning sternotomy closure were determined in 86 patients: 84 (98%) sternotomies were completely consolidated, in 75 cases (87%) without any dislocation and in nine cases (11%) with a minor dislocation in the transverse osteotomy. In two patients (2%) who had received postoperative radio- and chemotherapy, an isolated pseudarthrosis of the transverse osteotomy was observed, whereas the median sternotomy was consolidated completely. As a result of our clinical experience, we consider the closure of partial upper sternotomy with absorbable polyglycoid acid sutures as a practical and safe technique.
Department of Surgery, University of Cologne, Germany.
H U
HU
Zieren
J M
JM
Muller
J
J
Zieren
H
H
Pichlmaier
D000042:Absorption; D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D002648:Child; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011100:Polyglycolic Acid; D011183:Postoperative Complications; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013536:Suture Techniques; D014945:Wound Healing
D011100:Polyglycolic Acid