Journal of Biomedical Advancement Scientific Research

Abstract

The surgical stabilization of chest wall injuries, including rib and sternal fractures, is an evolving field in trauma and critical care surgery with more complex and challenging repairs being undertaken. Nitinol continuous compression clips (CCC) have various established applications in orthopedic surgery which may have a role in certain cases of complex chest wall trauma. This case series presents four patients with complex thoracic injuries requiring repair, in which Nitinol CCC were employed as part of the operative strategy. These include cases of 1) multiple anterolateral rib fractures with concurrent sternal fracture, 2) sternomanubrial joint dislocation with prior failed fixation, 3) para-sternal cartilage fracture with nonunion 4) complex costochondral fracture with nonunion after attempted fixation. At their initial post-operative visit all patients experienced postoperative improvement in pain, with no reported wound infections. The procedure was technically straightforward, and all patients qualitatively demonstrated meaningful gains in quality-of-life following intervention. The series illustrates varied injury patterns with unique surgical challenges in which the utility of Nitinol CCC in managing sternal proved effective. While the early outcomes suggest potential benefit in selected cases, formal prospective studies with larger cohorts are needed to define optimal indications and assess long-term efficacy in thoracic trauma patients.