title: The infected median sternotomy wound: management with the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.
abstract: Treatment of patients with infected median sternotomy wounds includes debridement and closure using vascularized tissue, most often the pectoralis major muscle. However, occasionally, surgeons use other flaps to close sternotomy wounds. The purpose of this study is to review 1 center's experience with infected median sternotomy wounds utilizing a less common technique, the rectus abdominis musculocutaneous flap.
authors.affiliation: Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, University of California, Davis Medical Center, 4301 X Street, Suite 2430, Sacramento, CA 95817, USA.
authors.forename: Albert K
authors.initials: AK
authors.lastname: Oh
authors.forename: Alex N
authors.initials: AN
authors.lastname: Lechtman
authors.forename: Thomas P
authors.initials: TP
authors.lastname: Whetzel
authors.forename: Thomas R
authors.initials: TR
authors.lastname: Stevenson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D003646:Debridement; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D017568:Rectus Abdominis / Q000637:transplantation*; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013524:Surgical Flaps; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000601:surgery*; D019616:Thoracic Surgical Procedures / Q000009:adverse effects*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D014945:Wound Healing