Pectus Carinatum: A Novel Method of Sternal Fixation

Abstract

The traditional method for fixing the sternum during surgical repair of pectus carinatum is through the use of a stainless steel bar (Adkin's strut). In this article we describe a new method of sternal fixation using nonabsorbable sutures which are placed in a transverse and crossed fashion anterior to the sternum. This method provides stable sternal fixation and spares the patient a second operation to remove the steel bar. The absence of metallic implants allows clearer view of the thoracic structures in future X-rays, CT scans and MRI, and is likely to be more acceptable to patients than the implantation of a metallic strut in their chest. In addition, it is less costly.