A unique case of fractured titanium implant after sternal resection

Clinical case A partial resection of the sternum was performed on a 48 year old female patient with benign sternal tumor. The middle third of the sternum and the adjacent parts of left and right third ribs were resected. Reconstruction of the postoperative 7/6 cm. bone defect was achieved using titanium implant “LeyTM prosthesis”, Geister, Germany. 5 years after surgery the patient complained of severe pain in the region of intervention. On the X-ray study were seen 4 fractures of the titanium implant and in 3 of the 4 surgical steel sutures. After a discussion with representatives of Geister it was clear that this is the only case with fractured titanium “LeyTM prosthesis” implant of about 500 already implanted across Europe. Surgery was performed on 08.11.2012, and all titanium fragments were removed. The patient was discharged in good condition and without pain.