BACKGROUND Median sternotomy infection and bony nonunion are two commonly described complications which occur in 0.4-5.1% of cardiac procedures. Although relatively infrequent, these complications can lead to significant morbidity and mortality. The aim of this retrospective study is to evaluate the initial experience of a transverse plate fixation system following wound complications associate...

BACKGROUND In cardiac surgery profuse or persistent sternal bleeding after sternotomy is routinely controlled with bone wax. However, bone wax should be avoided, especially in high-risk patients for nonunion of the sternum and infections. Purpose of this study was to evaluate an alternative technique to control bleeding after medium sternotomy using a plant based absorbable polysaccharide hemos...

Introduction: Deep sternal wound infections (DSWI) are a rare but devastating complication after median sternotomy. Minor perfusion in bone and soft tissue, especially after recruiting the internal mammary artery for bypass supports the development of wound infection and nonunion of the sternal bone. The aim of the study was the macroscopic and radiological presentation of the vascular system s...

Background: The rise of manubriosternal joint (MSJ) fractures and lack of literature has spurred an interest in surgical fixation. We hypothesize that locations exist within the sternum that will yield best screw purchase and more rigid fixation of sternal fractures. Methods: Nine cadaveric sternums were scanned using micro-CT and reconstructed. The anterior surface length and angle were measur...

Radical resection of primary or solitary secondary malignant sternal tumours is indicated in patients without metastases. Sternal reconstruction may be indicated in large defects to prevent pulmonary complications, to achieve protection of intra-thoracic organs and to obtain a good aesthetic result. In this article, a modified surgical technique is described to fill and reconstruct large defect...

INTRODUCTION Sternalis/rectus sternalis is a rare muscle found in the chest wall. Only 3-5% of the cases are found world wide. CASE PRESENTATION Here we report the case of Sternalis in the 60-year-old South Indian male cadaver. This report discusses the origin, orientation, relations of this muscle. CONCLUSION Importance of the knowledge of the presence of these rare muscles in clinical dia...

Scaphoid nonunion is a common but difficult problem for hand surgeons. The diagnosis of scaphoid nonunion is often delayed, and therefore, treatment must be tailored to the type of fracture, the duration of nonunion, and the presence or absence of resulting arthritis. This article reviews the diagnosis and work-up of scaphoid nonunion, classification schemes for scaphoid nonunion, and various t...

BACKGROUND Nonunion risk factor identification and modification are subjective. We describe and validate a predictive nonunion risk factor model to identify foot and ankle operative patients at risk for nonunion. MATERIALS AND METHODS One hundred international experts in foot and ankle surgery were surveyed. Nineteen nonunion risk factors were stratified into 3 categories: more significant th...