Reconstruction of sternal defects with autologous bone grafts and myocutaneous flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle.

In one case of sternal metastasis associated with necrotic osteomyelitis from breast carcinoma we performed subtotal sternotomy including adjacent structures. The resulting defect over the pericardium was reconstructed by the fibula, ribs and a myocutaneous flap of the latissimus dorsi muscle for protection and stability of the anterior chest wall after the operation. The usefulness of the myocutaneous flap of latissimus dorsi muscle for skin coverage over a wide defect in the anterior chest wall is discussed.