Indications and Results of Sternal Allograft Transplantation: Learning From a Worldwide Experience

Background Reconstruction of the anterior chest wall defect after sternectomy is a challenge for cardiothoracic surgeons. In 2010, Padua group published first case cadaveric sternum transplantation sternectomy. This multicenter study reports clinical indications and early long-term results sternal chondral allograft transplantation. Methods retrospective from 7 academic centers. We collected demographic data, surgical indications, technical details, postoperative results. The complications, stability, tolerance allografts were also analyzed. Results Between January 2008 December 2019, 58 patients underwent followed by reconstruction using cadaveric-cryopreserved sternochondral allografts. Thirty-two male, median age 63.5 years (interquartile range, 50-72 years). Indications secondary tumors (n = 13), primary 15), nonneoplastic disease 30). Thirty total sternectomy, 16 lower-body 12 upper-body manubrium resection. 30-day mortality was 5%; overall morbidity 31%. Six reoperations necessary because bleeding 1), titanium plate dislocation resuture skin in lower part incision 4). Overall, 5-year survival 74%. all survived patients, reconstructions stable free mechanical or infective complications. Conclusions main implantation complex poststernotomy dehiscence tumor involvement sternum. demonstrate that safe effective method reconstructing Further studies to integration bone grafts into patients’ will be made.