Sternal salvage with rigid fixation in the setting of a massive mediastinal aortic pseudoaneurysm: a case report and review of the literature

SummaryReconstruction of sternal nonunion following surgical resection can be difficult. Presented here is a case of sternal salvage with rigid fixation in the face of a massive aortic pseudoaneurysm. Plating is a safe and efficient technique that provides bone approximation and results in long term rigid sternal fixation. This case report highlights the history and biomechanical theory and examines the safety and clinical outcomes of sternal reconstruction with plating fixation.