Resection and reconstruction for primary sternal tumors.
Radical resection can offer a definitive cure of primary malignant sternal tumors, but the surgical management may be difficult because of the local aggressiveness of these tumors and a high recurrence rate. This article describes improvements in reconstruction techniques with musculocutaneous flaps that have made coverage of wide sternal defects reliable. A rigid reinforcement of the sternum can now be achieved with titanium bars and clips after a total sternectomy. Large sternal defects are safely reconstructed with a musculocutaneous flap. The completeness of the resection and the histologic grade of the tumors are the strongest survival predictors.
Paris West University, 9 Bd d'Alambert, 78280 Guyancourt, France. alain.chapelier@hospital-foch.org
Alain
A
Chapelier
D001859:Bone Neoplasms / Q000175:diagnosis / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008371:Manubrium / Q000473:pathology / Q000601:surgery; D019651:Plastic Surgery Procedures; D013249:Sternum; D013524:Surgical Flaps