Autologous tissue reconstruction sternal cleft: a rare congenital malformation

Sternal clefts are rare congenital chest-wall deformities, which can be complete or incomplete; therefore, reconstruction with autologous tissue is essential to protect the heart and prevent respiratory infection. In this report, we present the case of a 16-month-old baby girl from a preterm, twin pregnancy with a partial superior sternal cleft. A moist dressing for promoting wound healing was used until cutaneous layer complete epithelialization at which time we performed reconstruction with autologous tissue. After surgery the patient recovered with close-to-natural chest wall contour and adequate heart and lung function.