title: Invited commentary.
authors.affiliation: Department of Cardiothoracic Surgery, Aarhus University Hospital, Brendstrupgaardsvej 100, Aarhus N, Denmark DK-8200. Electronic address: pilegaard@dadlnet.dk.
authors.forename: Hans K
authors.initials: HK
authors.lastname: Pilegaard
mesh_terms: D001860:Bone Plates; D005260:Female; D005660:Funnel Chest / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D011183:Postoperative Complications / Q000517:prevention & control*; D011475:Prosthesis Failure