title: Repair of a floating sternum with autologous rib grafts and polylactide bioabsorbable struts in an 18-year-old male.
abstract: Failed regeneration of costal cartilage after open repair of pectus chest wall deformities can result in a floating sternum. A floating sternum can be repaired by insertion of a rib graft between the rib and sternum, and stabilization with a metal strut. The metal implant is usually removed with a second operation. We report use of bioabsorbable struts to stabilize rib grafts during repair of a floating sternum in an 18-year-old male with a failed open repair of pectus carinatum. He had an uncomplicated peri-operative course. One year later, the sternum had a normal appearance and was sturdy. A second operation for removal of hardware was not necessary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of New Mexico, Albuquerque, NM 87131, USA.
authors.forename: Jennifer
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Renz
authors.forename: Cynthia
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Reyes
mesh_terms: D020341:Absorbable Implants; D000293:Adolescent; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D005660:Funnel Chest / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery; D006801:Humans; D021621:Imaging, Three-Dimensional; D008297:Male; D011091:Polyesters; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures / Q000379:methods*; D012272:Ribs / Q000637:transplantation*; D013249:Sternum / Q000002:abnormalities / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D053441:Suture Anchors; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000379:methods; D014057:Tomography, X-Ray Computed / Q000379:methods; D014182:Transplantation, Autologous; D016896:Treatment Outcome
chemical_list: D011091:Polyesters; C033616:poly(lactide)