Safety and feasibility of rigid fixation by SternaLock Blu plates during the modified Ravitch procedure: a pilot study

Background: Patients with anterior chest wall deformities unsuitable for minimally invasive repair are commonly treated by the modified Ravitch procedure. Although rigid plate fixation of the sternal osteotomy has previously shown to facilitate adequate sternal union, its use is troubled by an implant removal rate of up to 23% due to local complaints or complications associated with bulky plates. In contrast, the use of thinner and therefore biomechanically weaker plates may result in a higher incidence of non- or mal-union. In this pilot study, we evaluate the feasibility, efficacy and safety of rigid sternal fixation by thin pre-shaped anatomical locking plates during the modified Ravitch procedure. Methods: Between June 2018 and December 2019, all consecutive patients who underwent anterior chest wall deformity repair by the modified Ravitch procedure in our tertiary referral centre were included. Data was collected retrospectively. All pectus types were included. The sternal osteotomy was fixated using thin SternaLock Blu plates. Patients were followed for at least one year. Results: Nine patients were included. The group consisted of six male and three female patients, with a median age of 20 years [interquartile range (IQR), 16-35 years]. Median duration of follow-up was 25 months (IQR, 16-28 months). No intraoperative complications occurred. No patients presented with symptomatic non- or mal-union. Plate removal was performed in one patient for atypical pain without relief. No other postoperative complications occurred. Conclusions: Based on these pilot results, thin SternaLock Blu plates are deemed to be safe and effective in providing adequate rigid fixation of the sternal osteotomy during the modified Ravitch procedure. Compared to literature, the need for plate removal within 25 months after surgery was reduced.