[Early and long-term results of sternocostal elevation combined with bridge external traction for funnel chest in children].

The purpose of the present study is to evaluate the effects of addition of a bridge external traction to our conventional sternocostal elevation technique in the surgical management of funnel chest in children. During the period from 1970 to 1979, a total of 29 children with funnel chest were treated surgically using sternocostal elevation technique (Group I). Operative technique consisted of total subperichondral resection of deformed costal cartilages (usually 3rd to 8th, bilaterally), transection of deformed portion of the sternum in 2-3 points and fixation of the sternum in elevated position using 2 Kirschner wires, and shortening resuturing of the opened perichondrium. Since 1980, an addition of the bridge external traction to our conventional sternocostal elevation technique was applied for about 10 days after operation in 82 consecutive children (Group II). The vertebral index (B/A = sagittal diameter of vertebral body/minimum sternovertebral distance), D/C ratio (maximum sagittal depth of depression of sternum/distance from anterior surface of the vertebral body to the sternum at Louis's angle) and E/C ratio (E = minimal sagittal distance from anterior surface of the vertebral body to the sternum) were measured in all cases and compared before and after operation and also between the two Groups. Preoperatively, there was no significant difference in all 3 indices between the two Groups. Postoperative B/A, D/C and E/C ratio in Group I were 0.28 +/- 0.06, 0.14 +/- 0.19, 1.09 +/- 0.32 (mean +/- SD), respectively. There were a significant drop in D/C ratio and a significant elevation in E/C ratio after operation.(ABSTRACT TRUNCATED AT 250 WORDS)