A Novel Titanium Rib Bridge System for Chest Wall Reconstruction

Surgical therapy of primary malignant bone tumours and soft tissue sarcomas of the chest wall: a two-institutional experience

“…Mesh grafts and musculocutaneous flaps are the most common ways of reconstruction and wound closure with low morbidity rates. Coonar et al [14] reported the use of a novel titanium rib bridge system, which seems to be a very expensive method.…”

Sternal metastasis from uterine leiomyosarcoma treated by near-total sternectomy and reconstruction with titanium sternal stabilization and fixation system

“…It also allows for a firm reconstruction and is easy to handle. [3,8] In addition, this type of system does not interfere with subsequent CT scans or MRIs. Hence, because of these benefits, we selected the StraTos™ system, which features both titanium bars and rib clips, for our patient.…”

“…Bone grafts, titanium rods, and methyl methacrylate cement may also be utilized to add rigidity to the chest wall. [3,[5][6][7] More rigid reconstruction is mandatory after a wide sternectomy, and a methyl methacrylate sandwich is commonly used in such cases. However, handling methyl methacrylate is difficult because it needs to be adapted to the shape of the patient's chest and placed directly onto bony structures.…”

“…Furthermore, titanium causes less interference with computed tomography (CT) and can be used safely with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) due to its nonferromagnetic characteristics. [3] Herein, we present the case of a female patient with a metastatic sternal tumor that was successfully reconstructed via the use of moldable titanium bars and rib clips for sternal stabilization and the application of prolene mesh. Additionally, the bilateral pectoralis major muscle flaps were advanced to cover the soft tissue defect.…”

“…Moreover, complications such as infections, dislocations, and implant fractures related to the use of this compound have been reported. [3,5,8] In addition, the use of titanium bars for sternal reconstruction after subtotal sternectomies has occasionally been reported in the literature. [3,7] The advantage of a titanium bar and rib clip system is that it has molding and bending properties that allow for micromovements, better tolerance, and less pain.…”