Abstract
Thoracoplasty using a self-reinforced, poly-l-lactic acid (SR-PLLA) rod was performed on 14 growing rabbits. The 4th–6th rib cartilages were resected subperichondrially on both sides, preserving the perichondrium, and a transverse sternotomy was performed between the levels of the 3rd and 4th ribs. The caudal part of the sternum was depressed, creating an experimental pectus excavatum, and fixed in this position using a 2 × 30 mm SR-PLLA rod placed trasversally on the sternum and fixed laterally between the 4th and 5th ribs on both sides. A CT examination was performed on each rabbit postoperatively and before killing. Samples were taken 1, 6, and 12 months after the operation. Both CT and clinical findings showed that the experimentally created pectus excavatum had maintained well throughout the experimental period. Regeneration of the resected rib cartilages was observed in every rabbit.
This is a preview of subscription content, log in via an institution to check access.
Similar content being viewed by others
References
Bailey BN (1977) Pectus excavatum: masking with silastic RTV 382 vulcanised in situ. Br J Plast Surg 30: 227–230
Borgeskov S, Raahave D (1971) Long-term result after operative correction of funnel chest. Thorax 26: 74–76
Brodkin HA (1948) Congenital chondrosternal depression (funnel chest) relieved by chondrosternoplasty. Am J Surg 75: 716–720
Davies AL (1986) Repair of pectus excavatum employing internal Steinmann pin struct technique. Del Med J 58: 733–736
Fonkalsrud EW, Follette D, Sarwat AK (1978) Pectus excavatum repair using autologous perichondrium for sternal support. Arch Surg 113: 1433–1437
Frazza EJ, Schmitt EE (1971) A new absorbable suture. J Biomed Mater Res 1: 43–58
Gammelgaard N, Jensen J (1983) Wound complications after closure of abdominal incisions with Dexon® or Vicryl®. Acta Chir Scand 149: 505–508
Gilding DK, Reed AM (1979) Biodegradable polymers for use in surgery — polyglycolic/poly(lactic acid) homo- and copolymers: 1. Polymer 20: 1459–1464
Hollinger JO (1983) Preliminary report on the osteogenic potential of a biodegradable copolymer of polylactide (PLA) and polyglycolide (PGA). J Biomed Mater Res 17: 71–82
Holmes CL (1957) Pectus excavatum: surgical technique: a new form of external traction to the elevated sternum. J Thor Surg 33: 321–329
Jamshidi K, Hyon S-H, Ikada Y, Nakamura T, Schimizu Y, Teramatsu T (1985) In vitro and in vivo degradation of poly-l-lactide fibers. 5th European Conference on Biomaterials, p 87, Paris
Kulkarni RK, Pani KC, Neuman C, Leonard F (1966) Polylactic acid for surgical implants. Arch Surg 93: 839–843
Lester CW (1946) The surgical treatment of funnel chest. Ann Surg 123: 1003–1022
Mendelson BC, Masson JK (1977) Silicone implants for contour deformities of the trunk. Plast Reconstr Surg 59: 538–544
Morris JD (1961) Surgical correction of pectus excavatum. Surg Clin North Am 41: 1271–1279
Oelsnitz G (1990) Operative correction of pectus excavatum. Pediatr Surg Int 5: 150–155
Paltia V, Parkkulainen KV, Sulamaa M, Wallgren GR (1959) Operative technique in funnel chest; experience in 81 cases. Acta Chir Scand 116: 90–98
Pavan A, Bosio M, Longo T (1979) A comparative study of poly(glycolic acid) and catgut as suture materials. Histomorphology and mechanical properties. J Biomed Mater Res 13: 477–496
Pohjonen T, Törmälä P, Mikkola J, Laiho J, Helevirta P, Lähde H, Vainionpää S, Rokkanen P (1989) Studies on mechanical properties of totally biodegradable polymeric rods for fixation of bone fractures. In: VIth Int Conf PIMS, Polymers in Medicine and Surgery, p 16, Leeuwenhorst Congress Center, Holland, April 12–14
Ravitch MM (1949) The operative treatment of pectus excavatum. Ann Surg 129: 429–444
Rehbein F, Wernicke H-H (1957) The operative treatment of the funnel chest. Arch Dis Child 32: 5–8
Rokkanen P, Böstman O, Vainionpää S, Hirvensalo E, Mäkelä A, Vihtonen K, Törmälä P (1987) Treatment of malleolar fractures using biodegradable internal fixation. 1st Kölner Unfallsymposium, Collogne FRG, July 10–11
Ruuskanen M, Kallioinen M, Kaarela O, Laiho J, Törmälä P, Waris T (1991) The role of polyglycolic acid rods in the regeneration of cartilage from perichondrium in rabbits. Scand J Plast Reconstr Hand Surg 25: 15–18
Ruuskanen M, Virtanen M, Kallioinen M, Serlo W, Leiho J, Törmälä P, Waris T (1991) Remodelling of rabbit rib cartilages with perichondrial flaps and biodegradable implants. Pediatr Surg Int 6: 418–420
Ruuskanen M, Virtanen M, Tuominen H, Törmälä P, Waris T (1991) Regeneration of ear and ribs free perichondrial graft around a self-reinforced polyglycolic acid mould. Eur J Exp Musculoskeletal Res (in press)
Schärli AF, Busch W (1978) Trichterbrust-Stabilisation nach Rehbein (eine Modifikation). Z Kinderchir 23: 163–164
Törmälä P, Vasenius J, Vainionpää J, Leiho J, Pohjonen T, Rokkanen P (1991) Ultra-high-strength absorbable self-reinforced polyglycolide (SR-PGA) composite rods for internal fixation of bone fractures: in vitro and in vivo study. J Biomed Mater Res (in press)
Vainionpää S, Rokkanen P, Törmälä P (1989) Surgical applications of biodegradable polymers in human tissues. Progr Polym Sci 14: 679–716
Watanabe Y, Takashi I (1984) Surgical correction of pectus excavatum for adults and adolsecents. Jpn J Surg 14: 472–478
Author information
Authors and Affiliations
Rights and permissions
About this article
Cite this article
Ruuskanen, M.M., Virtanen, M.K., Kartunen, A. et al. Stabilization of anterior thoracoplasty with a resorbable, self-reinforced poly-l-lactic acid rod: an experimental study in rabbits. Pediatr Surg Int 7, 183–186 (1992). https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00175835
Accepted:
Issue Date:
DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/BF00175835