Chronic transverse sternal fracture. Role of CT scan and repair by an alternative use of the Synthes-Titanium Sternal Fixation System

G Chir. 2009 Apr;30(4):165-7.

Abstract

Chest wall fractures, including injuries of the sternum, usually heal spontaneously without specific treatment. However sometimes, they need surgical treatment. To treat these patients the selection criteria often are subjective in spite of many surgical devices for sternal osteosynthesis are available nowadays. One of the most recent device is the Synthes-Titanium Sternal Fixing System, usually used to treat post-sternotomy dehiscence. We describe the case of a 67-year-old man with previous history of chest trauma presenting to our institution with chronic transverse sternal fracture. We describe the pre-operative study, stressing the particular role of the CT scan and a surgical approach by an alternative use of the Synthes.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Accidents, Traffic
  • Aged
  • Bone Plates*
  • Chronic Disease
  • Follow-Up Studies
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / methods*
  • Fracture Healing
  • Fractures, Bone* / diagnostic imaging
  • Fractures, Bone* / surgery
  • Humans
  • Imaging, Three-Dimensional
  • Male
  • Sternum / diagnostic imaging
  • Sternum / injuries*
  • Thoracic Injuries
  • Time Factors
  • Titanium
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed / methods*

Substances

  • Titanium