Pectoralis major muscle turnover flap reconstruction for treatment of deep sternal wound infection in infants and children

The aim of the study is to assess the therapeutic effect and applicability of pectoralis major muscle turnover flap (PMMTF) reconstruction for treatment of deep sternal wound infection (DSWI) after cardiac surgery in infants and children.From March 2013 to October 2021, 23 patients with DSWI after cardiac surgery underwent PMMTF reconstruction. The data and outcomes of the patients were retrospectively analyzed.Twenty patients were treated with unilateral PMMTF reconstruction, and three patients were treated by bilateral PMMTF. All of the sternal wounds healed successfully. All patients survived and were discharged without evidence of infection. In a follow-up period, ranging from 15 to 83 months (mean 32.6 months), all patients demonstrated normal development with no limitations to limb movements. There were no signs of chronic sternal infection in all of them.PMMTF reconstruction is a simple, feasible, and effective treatment of DSWI after cardiac surgery in infants and children, with minimal developmental problems.