Anterior thoracoplasty stabilized with a resorbable, self-reinforced poly-L-lactide acid plate in the correction of pectus excavatum

Anterior thoracoplasty stabilized with a resorbable, self-reinforced poly-L-lactic acid (SR-PLLA) plate was performed on three children to correct pectus excavatum deformity. The rib cartilages of the deformed region were resected subperichondrally and a transverse sternotomy was performed above the level of the deformed part of the sternum. The deformed sternum was elevated and fixed with a 2.5×8×150-mm SR-PLLA plate placed transversely under the sternum. Recovery of all the patients has been uneventful and no recurrence of the deformity has occurred.