The treatment of sternal wound infection by internal fixation of sternum with titanium plate after cardiac surgery

Abstract

To investigate the internal fixation of sternum with titanium plate for the treatment of sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery. A retrospective study of 26 patients from Jan 2009 to Dec 2011 was carried out. All the 26 cases with sternal wounds infection after cardiac surgery, were treated by internal fixation with titanium plates. All the patients had chronic infection, lasting for more than 3 months. 3 patients received vacuum-assisted closure treatment after complete debridement. All the wounds were covered with pectoral major muscle flap. All the wounds healed completely with no recurrence of infection. Internal fixation of sternum with titanium plate can increase the stability. It helps to improve the treatment efficacy of sternal wound infection after cardiac surgery.