• Mingha Zhu, Guohui Liang, and Ying Zhang.
• Orthopedic Institute, Luoyang Orthopedic Hospital, Luoyang Henan, 471002, PR China. zhuminghai@china.com.cn
• Zhongguo Xiu Fu Chong Jian Wai Ke Za Zhi. 2006 Aug 1;20(8):832-4.

ObjectiveTo evaluate the application value of repairing the defects of the chest wall with the thoracico-abdominal skin flap and the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis.MethodsFrom January 2002 to June 2005, five patients with defects in the chest wall underwent the prosthesis with the thoracico-abdominal skin flap and the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis under general anesthesia. Focal cleaning was performed first; then, the skin flap was designed and taken (15 cm x 10 cm); and finally, the defects of the chest wall were repaired with the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis.ResultsOf the 5 patients, 4 had the flap healing by the first intention, and 1 had the delayed healing, with no complication. The skin flap had a good appearance, without edema or pigmentation. The X-ray examination showed that the shadow of the sternal sequestrum disappeared. There was no recurrence or complication during the follow-up for 1-3 years (average, 18 mon).ConclusionThe repairing of the defects in the chest wall with the thoracico-abdominal skin flap and the muscle flap of the musculus rectus abdominis is a simple and effective surgical treatment for defects of the chest wall around the sternum, and this kind of treatment is worth applying extensively in clinical practice.

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