Statements in which the resource exists as a subject.
PredicateObject
rdf:type
lifeskim:mentions
pubmed:issue
6
pubmed:dateCreated
1999-6-3
pubmed:abstractText
Sternal dehiscence may be defined as separation of the bony sternum and manubrium following median sternotomy. It may occur at any time postoperatively and has various etiologies. Restoration of sternal integrity in sternal dehiscence is a challenging problem, particularly when associated with deep-seated infection. This report reviews a single-stage technique that virtually eliminates the infected sternotomy wound and provides anatomic reduction and stabilization of the sternum. Complete debridement of infected and/or nonviable soft tissue, bone, and cartilage is followed by pulse irrigation. Parallel stainless steel mandibular reconstruction plates are then placed on each side of the remaining sternum and wired together. One or more transmanubrial compression plates may be added. Bilateral pectoralis major musculocutaneous flap advancement and primary skin closure is performed over two to three closed suction drains. From January of 1994 to July of 1996, this technique was used by the same surgeon in 26 male and 4 female patients aged 43 to 78 years (mean = 61). Indications for the operation were sternal dehiscence with infection (osteomyelitis and/or mediastinitis) in 14 patients and sternal dehiscence without infection in 16 patients. All patients survived to discharge with mean time on the ventilator, intensive care unit length of stay, and postoperative length of stay of 0.7, 2, and 8 days, respectively. Choice and duration of antibiotics were based on culture results and operative findings. Subsequent hardware removal was necessary in one patient for hardware loosening and three patients for late periplate infection. A closed wound was eventually achieved in all 30 patients, and sternal stability was restored in 29 patients. In the management of sternal dehiscence, the described technique of internal fixation can provide anatomic sternal reduction and stabilization, elimination of infection, and wound closure in a single-stage operation. Successful outcomes were achieved despite the presence of severe infection.
pubmed:language
eng
pubmed:journal
pubmed:citationSubset
AIM
pubmed:status
MEDLINE
pubmed:month
May
pubmed:issn
0032-1052
pubmed:author
pubmed:issnType
Print
pubmed:volume
103
pubmed:owner
NLM
pubmed:authorsComplete
Y
pubmed:pagination
1667-73
pubmed:dateRevised
2011-2-16
pubmed:meshHeading
pubmed:year
1999
pubmed:articleTitle
Internal fixation of the sternum in median sternotomy dehiscence.
pubmed:affiliation
Department of Surgery at the University of Tennessee College of Medicine, Chattanooga Unit, USA.
pubmed:publicationType
Journal Article, Clinical Trial