Sternal resection and reconstruction with a titanium plate and polypropylene mesh for sternal metastasis of papillary thyroid carcinoma: A case report

Abstract

We report the case of a patient who underwent sternal resection for a metastatic sternal tumor and sternal reconstruction with a titanium plate and polypropylene mesh to correct the sternal defect. The patient was a 76-year-old man. Chest computed tomography incidentally revealed a sternal mass. Biopsy led to the diagnosis of a metastatic sternal tumor originating from papillary thyroid carcinoma. As this tumor was resistant to medical treatment, surgical resection was planned. Extensive sternal defects may lead to physical fragility or paradoxical respiration, and sternal reconstruction is considered useful to prevent such conditions. At present, there are no established guidelines for reconstruction techniques, and various techniques have been reported. The reconstruction technique used in our department was effective for maintaining the respiratory function.