Titanium plating system with autologous rib graft sternoplasty in the treatment of thoracic inlet compression

Narrowing of the thoracic inlet leading to airway compression is a rare and challenging condition in the pediatric population. Reports in the literature have described this variant related to multiple conditions including double crush phenomenon following repair of pectus excavatum, anterior spinal displacement, and straight back syndrome. Underlying genetic conditions such as Marfan's Syndrome and Hurler's Syndrome have also been reported to contribute to clinically significant airway compression independent of dynamic tracheal collapse such as tracheomalacia. The borders of the thoracic inlet are anatomically bound by the body of the first thoracic vertebrae (T1) posteriorly, the posterior surface of the manubrium anteriorly, and the medial aspects of the first ribs on either side laterally. Relief of tracheal compression in this location is complicated by the rigidity of the boney thoracic inlet and limited space for lifting procedures such as anterior aortopexy. Several operative approaches to treat this condition have been described including manubrial/sternal resection, first rib resection, and reconstruction of the thoracic inlet. Described here are three patients where successful reconstruction of the thoracic inlet was achieved using autologous rib graft sternoplasty and a titanium sternal plating system to widen the thoracic inlet and eliminate external compression on the trachea.