Therapy of chest wall osteomyelitis

Introduction: Chronic osteomyelitis of the chest wall requires radical debr idement and defect coverage with well-perfused tissue. The implantation of synthetic material is still under discussion because of the risk of infecti on. Methods. A retrospective study was conducted on the complications and f unctional and aesthetic results of 26 patients with chest wall osteomyeliti s after radiation or sternotomy treated by radical debridement and neurovas cular pedicled latissimus dorsi muscle. Results: The functional results wer e excellent with a low complication rate. The muscle showed electric activi ty synchronous with inspiration and clinically a stabilization of the thora cic defect. Discussion: Maintained muscular activity may play an essential role for stabilizing thoracic defects of up to four ribs or the sternum; im plantation of synthetic material is not necessary.