The use of acellular dermal matrices in chest wall reconstruction

Surgeons are faced with increasingly complex and larger chest wall defects as a result of a variety of pathologies, the majority of which are oncologic. Skeletal reconstruction of these resulting defects and subsequent soft-tissue coverage remain a challenge for thoracic and plastic and reconstructive surgeons. A variety of techniques and grafts have been utilized to support the thoracic cage. This review focuses on the use of acellular dermal matrices in thoracic skeletal reconstruction, with a focus on the indications, published data, and surgical techniques for utilizing acellular dermal matrices in chest wall reconstruction.