Purpose: The aim of the present study was to fixate displaced sternum fractures with a nonspecific plate, without a sternotomy procedure.
Method: Between May 2010 and December 2011, 15 patients with sternal fractures were included in this study. We performed fixation for 8 of 15 sternal fracture patients. Posteroanterior and lateral chest x-rays and computed tomography were taken for diagnosis of sternal fractures. Our surgical indications were severe pain, dislocationoverlapping of sternal edges, and thoracic wall instability. Locked volar distal radius plates were used for the sternal fixation.
Results: After fixation of sternum with plate, the sternum was stable in all 8 patients.There were no complications intra- or postoperatively. Sternal union was observed for all. Pain relief was determined dramatically.
Conclusion: Locked volar distal radius plates can be used for displaced sternal fractures.It is an alternative and successful method for sternal fractures.