Sternal Tumor Resection and Reconstruction Using Iliac Crest Autograft

Primary malignant tumors of the sternum are rare among bone tumors. Even with radical resection, the survival rate for sternal tumors remains low. Resection often results in significant bone defects in the chest wall, and reconstruction must provide adequate protection for pulmonary and respiratory structures. Flexible materials have historically been used for sternal reconstructions following failed sternotomies in cardiac surgery. Although these have had some success, they fail to provide adequate support for patients undergoing reconstruction secondary to tumor resection, who are otherwise healthy and active. Although rigid materials offer greater protection, they frequently cause chronic pain and respiratory complications. More recently, bone grafts have been used to reconstruct sternal defects, and the limited published reports are promising. METHODS: We present the case of a patient diagnosed with an extramedullary solitary bone plasmacytoma who underwent a sternal resection and reconstruction with an autogenous bone graft taken from the iliac crest and secured in place with 5 plates (3 sternal and 2 mandibular). RESULTS: At 9-month follow-up, bone marrow biopsy showed no evidence of multiple myeloma. X-ray, computed tomography, and Pulmonary Function Test (PFT) scans confirmed graft stability, and the patient has returned to normal activities. CONCLUSIONS: Sternal resection and reconstruction is an effective method for treating extramedullary solitary plasmacytoma when radiation is ineffective. In cases of significant segmental defects, iliac crest bone graft may be a viable option for repairing sternal defects following tumor resection.