title: Longitudinal reinforcement for treatment of sternal dehiscence.
abstract: Re-fixation of the sternum after sternal dehiscence is still a problem following cardiac surgery. An original technique that allows reinforcement against various causes of dehiscence is described. The technique consists of 3 additional overlapping longitudinal wires set on both sides of the sternum. Over 2 years, this technique was applied in 34 patients, with complete sternal re-fixation in all, and no signs of recurrence on follow-up.
authors.affiliation: Division of Cardiac Surgery, Regional Cardiac Center, Morriston Hospital, Swansea, United Kingdom. ptotaro@yahoo.com
authors.forename: Pasquale
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Totaro
authors.forename: Nello
authors.initials: N
authors.lastname: Degno
authors.forename: Vincenzo
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Argano
mesh_terms: D001864:Bone Wires; D005593:Fracture Fixation, Internal / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000209:etiology / Q000601:surgery*; D013908:Thoracotomy / Q000009:adverse effects*