Stabilization of multiple rib fractures in a canine model.

Abstract

BACKGROUND:

Operative stabilization is frequently used in the clinical treatment of multiple rib fractures (MRF); however, no ideal material exists for use in this fixation. This study investigates a newly developed biodegradable plate system for the stabilization of MRF.

METHODS:

Silk fiber-reinforced polycaprolactone (SF/PCL) plates were developed for rib fracture stabilization and studied using a canine flail chest model. Adult mongrel dogs were divided into three groups: one group received the SF/PCL plates, one group received standard clinical steel plates, and the final group did not undergo operative fracture stabilization (n = 6 for each group). Radiographic, mechanical, and histologic examination was performed to evaluate the effectiveness of the biodegradable material for the stabilization of the rib fractures.

RESULTS:

No nonunion and no infections were found when using SF-PCL plates. The fracture sites collapsed in the untreated control group, leading to obvious chest wall deformity not encountered in the two groups that underwent operative stabilization.

CONCLUSIONS:

Our experimental study shows that the SF/PCL plate has the biocompatibility and mechanical strength suitable for fixation of MRF and is potentially ideal for the treatment of these injuries.

• Authors: Ke-Nan Huang, Zhi-Fei Xu, Ju-Xian Sun, Xin-Yu Ding, Bin Wu, Wei Li, Xiong Qin, Hua Tang
• Journal: The Journal of surgical research (J Surg Res) Vol. 192 Issue 2 Pg. 621-7 (Dec 2014) ISSN: 1095-8673 [Electronic] United States
• PMID: 25255725 (Publication Type: Journal Article, Research Support, Non-U.S. Gov't)
• Copyright: Copyright © 2014 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.

Topics

• Absorbable Implants
• Animals
• Antibiotic Prophylaxis
• Bone Plates
• Disease Models, Animal
• Dogs
• Flail Chest (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Intercostal Muscles (surgery)
• Postoperative Complications (prevention & control)
• Radiography
• Rib Fractures (diagnostic imaging, surgery)
• Thoracic Injuries (diagnostic imaging, surgery)