Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the sternum in a child: resection and reconstruction

Pediatric primary malignancies of the sternum are rare. They represent less than 1% of all bone tumors. Primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the chest wall or Askin's tumor is more often seen in the ribs than in the sternum. Surgical treatment involves resection of the tumor followed by primary reconstruction. We report the case of a 16-year-old adolescent boy who was diagnosed to have primitive neuroectodermal tumor of the sternum and underwent resection with primary reconstruction of the anterior chest wall. We describe for the first time the use of a 2-mm Gore-Tex Dualmesh plus biomaterial (W.L. Gore and Associates, Flagstaff, Ariz) and locking mandibular multiperforated titanium plates with screws (Stryker-Leibinger, Freiburg, Germany) for primary sternal reconstruction in a child. Despite having a wide resection, he did not require postoperative ventilation and had an uncomplicated recovery. The reconstructed chest wall has a normal contour with normal pulmonary physiology.