OBJECTIVE To identify risk factors for sternal wound infection following coronary artery bypass surgery (CABG), and to compare early and mid-term survival outcome. METHODS Data were prospectively collected for 4228 patients who underwent CABG surgery between April 1997 and March 2001. One hundred and nine (2.6%) patients developed sternal wound infection. We used logistic regression to identi...

sternal non-:union: is a severe complication of sternotomy closure following open heart surgeries. healing problems typically occur in 0.3% to 5% of patients. technetium-99m methylene diphosphonate (99mtc-mdp) bone scintigraphy has been used to assess bone non:union: to predict the healing response for proper management.  in this report, we present the case of a marked sternal non:union: follow...

ABSTRACT We report a method for removing the distal segment of a broken locked intramedullary nail secondary to nonunion of the femur following radiotherapy for fibromatosis. A Kirschner wire with one tip fashioned into a hook was used to remove the distal segment without opening with the nonunion site. Details of the procedure are described. KEY WORDS Broken intramedullary nail, removal of d...

The editors have also carefully selected additional cases, contributed by several experts in nonunion treatment. Each case provides step-by-step descriptions of case history, preoperative planning, surgical approach, reduction, fixation, rehabilitation, and finally pitfalls and pearls. Hundreds of full-color pictures, precise illustrations, and x-rays demonstrate the significant steps in nonuni...

INTRODUCTION AND OBJECTIVES The aim of our study was to identify risk factors for the development of post-sternotomy mediastinitis and sternal dehiscence without infection. PATIENTS AND METHOD The records of all patients who presented with sternal abnormalities between January 1, 1997 and December 31, 2003 were reviewed retrospectively, and potential risk factors were examined. Patients were ...

Background. Ministernotomy incisions have been increasingly used in a variety of settings. We describe a novel approach to ministernotomy using arrowhead incision and rigid sternal fixation with a standard sternal plating system. Methods. A small, midline, vertical incision is made from the midportion of the manubrium to a point just above the 4th intercostal mark. The sternum is opened in the ...

OBJECTIVE Nonunion is defined as a minimum of a 9-month period of time since an injury with no visibly progressive signs of healing for 3 months. Recent studies show that application of mesenchymal stromal cells (MSCs) in the laboratory setting is effective for bone regeneration. Animal studies have shown that MSCs can be used to treat nonunions. For the first time in an Iranian population, the...

PURPOSE To examine potential risk factors for the development of delayed or nonunion following elective ulnar shortening osteotomy using a dedicated osteotomy plating system. METHODS We performed a retrospective review of all patients who underwent elective ulnar shortening using the TriMed single osteotomy dynamic compression plating system by 1 of 2 fellowship-trained hand surgeons over a 5...