Tridimensional titanium-printed custom-made prosthesis for sternocostal reconstruction

Abstract

A broad range of materials have been described for sternal reconstruction in order to guarantee not only the best preservation of respiratory mechanics, but also adequate mediastinal protection and acceptable cosmetic results. Today, titanium implants are preferred by many surgeons because of their optimal features. As a step forward, tridimensional (3D) laser sintering printing techniques allow us to virtually reproduce even more complex bony structures. Here, we present a case of sternocostal reconstruction by means of a 3D titanium-printed custom-made prosthesis after extensive resection of a chest wall sarcoma. The use of an intraoperative template to precisely set resection margins, the novel prosthetic design as well as a new and safer rib fixation system may offer some advantages over other custom-made reconstructive techniques.

Keywords: Chest wall reconstruction; Chest wall resection; Custom-made prosthesis; Sternal tumour; Titanium prosthesis.