Sternal plating for the treatment of sternal nonunion

摘要: Background. Sternal nonunion, defined as sternal pain with clicking, instability, or both for more than 6 months in the absence of infection, is an uncommon complication median sternotomy. Nonunion frequently complicated by presence multiple transverse fractures, which make simple rewiring inadequate. Methods. Six patients debilitating secondary to nonunion were treated technique plating between 1989 and 1995. Results. corrected instability provided excellent relief all patients. All reported improved quality life able resume recreational activities. Two have had plate removal late bursa formation. healing was complete instances. Conclusions. plating, based on tension-band principle, effective treatment nonunion. The applicable complex nonunions. stainless steel plates resist bending stresses, cortical bone resists compressive forces. requires minimal dissection posterior border, not circumferential, provides secure approximation.