Titanium Ribs? The Titanium Rib Project is a chest expansion procedure in which surgeons implant titanium prostheses into the ribcage of the child and over the years they are adjusted to allow for growth. Dr. Robert Campbell and Dr. Melvin Smith developed these adjustable implants in San Antonio, TX and have been performing the surgeries since 1989. Titanium ribs are effective for Jeune’s Syndrome as well as several other causes of thoracic insufficiency. To date, there are just over 200 implant cases, or "riblets", as the kids are affectionately known. Some children who were totally ventilator dependent are now able to breathe on their own and run and play like "regular" kids. The decision to pursue titanium rib expansion surgery is not one that is taken lightly by parents. It is a commitment for the rest of the child’s developmental years. After the initial implants (one or two depending on the child), the child must return for "expansion" surgery every 4-6 months until they are done growing; potentially 30+ surgeries over the course. When this is the only option to allow a child to live, parents are faced not only with the emotional trauma of multiple surgeries, but also the cost of travel for these procedures. Traveling to Texas for surgery is very expensive with airfare, hotel, rental car, meals, child care for siblings and time away from work. Initial implants require a hospital stay of several weeks, and subsequent expansions require several days. It is not a matter of if they will take this step, but how. The Jeune’s Syndrome Family Foundation intends to help with the how. Click HERE to request a grant to help with travel expenses.