title: A new suture technique avoids rib fractures and intercostal nerve trauma in thoracotomy.
abstract: This article describes an alternative suture technique for thoracotomy incisions. A modified mattress suture technique is used to fix the intercostal muscles. The described technique can prevent rib fractures and reduce the incidence of intercostal nerve injury. Also, this technique is easy to perform and is effective.
authors.affiliation: The 163th Hospital of PLA, Changsha, Hunan, China.
authors.forename: Biaotong
authors.initials: B
authors.lastname: Huang
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D006801:Humans; D007366:Intercostal Muscles / Q000294:innervation / Q000601:surgery*; D007367:Intercostal Nerves / Q000293:injuries*; D008875:Middle Aged; D010149:Postoperative Pain / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control; D059348:Peripheral Nerve Injuries / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D012253:Rib Fractures / Q000209:etiology / Q000517:prevention & control*; D013536:Suture Techniques / Q000009:adverse effects; D013907:Thoracostomy / Q000009:adverse effects / Q000379:methods*; D016896:Treatment Outcome