The sternalis muscle: a normal finding encountered during breast surgery
1Department of Surgery, Chestnut Hill Hospital, Philadelphia, PA, USA.
Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery
|March 24, 1999
Summary
A rare sternalis muscle variant was found during mastectomy and immediate reconstruction. Most surgeons surveyed were unaware of this common yet overlooked anatomical variation.
Area of Science:
- Anatomical studies
- Surgical case reports
- Breast surgery
Background:
- The sternalis muscle is a known, albeit uncommon, anatomical variant.
- Familiarity with anatomical variations is crucial for surgical procedures.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a case of encountering the sternalis muscle during mastectomy and immediate reconstruction.
- To assess surgeon awareness of the sternalis muscle variant.
Main Methods:
- Case report of a patient undergoing mastectomy and immediate reconstruction.
- Survey of surgeons regarding their knowledge of the sternalis muscle.
Main Results:
- The sternalis muscle was identified during the surgical procedure.
- A survey indicated low familiarity among surgeons with this anatomical variant.
Conclusions:
- The sternalis muscle, though a normal variant, may be encountered unexpectedly in breast surgery.
- Increased awareness and education regarding the sternalis muscle are recommended for surgeons.
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