nitinol and Funnel-Chest

Early and long-term results of radical thoracoplasty in 114 adult patients with funnel chest are presented. The Sulamaa-Paltia operation was performed in 24 patients, thoracoplasty with sternocostal complex fixing by arcuated nitinol plates was made in 30 patients. Thoracoplasty with sternocostal complex fixing by M-shaped nitinol plates was performed in 60 cases. Two patients after Sulamaa-Paltia operation demonstrated the plate displacement, which caused the relapse of the disease. Those patients, who had other techniques applied, showed no signs of relapse. Thus, Sulamaa-Paltia operation allowed good results in 83,3% of the treated patients; the use of arcuated and M-shaped plates showed good results in 93,3 and 98,3%, respectively.

Topics: Adolescent; Adult; Alloys; Bone Plates; Female; Funnel Chest; Humans; Male; Nickel; Recurrence; Thoracoplasty; Titanium; Treatment Outcome; Young Adult

Experience in surgical treatment of 186 patients with funnel chest deformity (FCD) is generalized. With consideration for the great variety of the forms of deformity of the plastron, simple and complicated forms of FCD are distinguished. The simple forms include isolated, symmetrical, low (beginning from the level of the fourth rib) II-III degree deformities, the complicated forms include wide, II-III degree deformities beginning from the level of the second rib, and flat asymmetrical deformities. The use of a metal plate as a stabilizer in complicated forms of FCD is suggested. The optimal method of treatment in simple forms of the deformity is thoracoplasty with fixation of the sternum in the corrected position by means of a nitinol clip.

Topics: Adolescent; Alloys; Bone Plates; Child; Child, Preschool; Female; Funnel Chest; Humans; Male; Osteotomy; Ribs; Sternum; Thoracoplasty