Abstract
OBJECTIVES: This study was carried out to determine whether the myocutaneous flap, alone, is sufficient to reconstruct a chest wall defect after osteoradionecrosis and provide satisfactory stability to the chest wall. METHODS: This study involved five patients who were subjected to post-mastectomy radiotherapy as a treatment for breast cancer. Excision of the ulcer and all the necrotic ribs, with preservation of the parietal pleura and reconstruction with the latissimus dorsi flap, was done without the use of either an artificial prosthesis or autologous rib to reconstruct the chest wall defect. RESULTS: Clinical and radiological follow-up showed no complications regarding respiratory impairment or pleural complications. CONCLUSIONS: The use of myocutaneous flap in patients with chest wall defect following osteoradionecrosis is satisfactory to cover the chest wall defect and provide satisfactory stability to the chest wall.