RAPUZZI G.

Chest-wall malformations (CWMs) have a relatively high incidence and an unsuspecting impact on the quality of life of patients. Besides a minority of symptomatic cases, most patients seek medical advice for psychosocial concerns. These concerns can be severe, and are usually due to: poor cosmetic appearance; aversion to undertaking sporting...

Total sternal cleft is a rare congenital malformation that may represent a challenge for the surgeon. In neonatal period, the primary closure is usually achievable, but at older age, this can be impossible. Moreover, the closure of the 2 sternal bars can bring to an exaggerated compression on mediastinal structures. Many different techniques...

Sternal cleft is a chest wall malformation that can expose mediastinal viscera and vessels to injuries. It can be classified into two forms, complete and partial. Its etiology and incidence are unknown and it is often associated with other defects. The aim of this article is to review the literature and report our experience with this rare...

Background/Purpose: The removal of a pectus bar fixed with a metallic stabilizer can be time consuming and tedious, because in some cases, fibrous or new bone tissue covers the metallic devices. Our study aims to evaluate bar removal in 2 groups of patients with metallic and absorbable stabilizers, respectively. Methods: A total of 162 patients...