USE OF THE SUTURE LOCK PLATE FOR STERNAL APPROXIMATION IN CHILDREN.

Sternal closure after median sternotomy in the pediatric age group may be accomplished with non-resorbable sutures or stainless steel wire. The former has the disadvantages of chronic sinus formation and the latter may either break or cause pressure on the skin. The Pill-Wolvek Suture Lock Plate was used as an alternative method in 26 patients aged from seven days to six years. It has the advantage of greater strength and avoids the problem of prominent twisted wire ends. Healing has been excellent and there have been no complications attributed to the wires.