Osteoradionecrosis of the thoracic wall and its surgical management

Four patients with disabling radiation defects of the chest involving skeletal and soft tissues were successfully treated with a one stage breast flap. Closure of the defect resulted after an uncomplicated and safe operation. Safety and reduced morbidity are hallmarks of the breast flap repair for this difficult problem. Although alternative methods can be used, the preparation of staged flaps and postoperative problems in major myocutaneous flaps increase the risk of such therapy and the hospital stay for these elderly, debilitated patients. The low morbidity of this one stage flap with a minimal hospital stay make this treatment a very viable and appealing alternative for patients whose long-term prognosis is exceedingly poor.