Porous alumina ceramic sternum: A reliable option for sternal replacement

CONTEXT: To date, there is no gold standard technique for sternum replacement. Current techniques rely on metallic prosthesis, meshes and bars, or bone grafts. However, they have several pitfalls. AIMS: The aim of this article is to report the results of sternal replacement with a porous alumina ceramic sternum. SETTINGS AND DESIGN: Surgeries were performed in two teaching hospitals in France. METHODS: We designed a porous alumina ceramic prosthesis which possesses interesting characteristics for this surgery such as great biocompatibility, a certain level of bacterial resistance, radiolucency, and compatibility with radiotherapy. The implant is stitched to the ribs with suture thread and does not require osteosynthesis material. RESULTS: Six patients with a mean age of 60.6 years received this prosthesis. Indication was tumor in five cases and mediastinitis in one case. The mean follow-up is 20 months (3–37 months). No major complication occurred and healing was fine for all patients. Patients did not complain of breathing discomfort or pain related to the prosthesis. CONCLUSIONS: This new technique is promising even if there are only six patients in this study.