Allogenic Sternal Transplant After Sternectomy for Metastasis of Ovarian Carcinoma

Sternal metastasis from ovarian carcinoma is extremely rare. We report a case of a young woman in whom a single metastasis at the level of the upper portion of the sternum developed. Surgical excision of the sternum was performed with replacement by a sternal allograft stabilized by titanium plates and transosseous high-tension sutures. With this simple and reproducible technique, we obtained a stable and dynamic reconstruction of the sternoclavicular joints and shoulder girdle. The use of a sternal allograft provides excellent functional and cosmetic results. The implantation technique is simple and reproducible. (Ann Thorac Surg 2012;93:e71-2) (C) 2012 by The Society of Thoracic Surgeons