[Plastic Reconstruction with a Vascular Pedicle Latissimus Dorsi Flap after Sternal Osteomyelitis]

Objective: Sternal bone and soft tissue debridement after osteomyelitis of the sternum with simultaneous defect coverage using a vascular pedicle latissimus dorsi flap. Indication: Profound sternal wound healing disorders may be covered with various flap grafts. The latissimus dorsi flap provides a fast, sufficient and reliable option to cover sternal defects. If the bone and soft tissue debridement has been very radical, coverage may be performed in a one-stage procedure. Method: The individual surgical steps for sternal debridement with simultaneous defect coverage using a vascular pedicle latissimus dorsi flap are shown. Conclusion: The radicality of debridement is crucial to treatment success and allows debridement and flap graft coverage to be performed at the same time. If two surgeons work simultaneously, the duration of surgery may be significantly reduced.