Sternal replacement with a custom-made titanium plate after resection of a solitary breast cancer metastasis

Bone is the most common metastatic site of breast cancer (BC) and sternal metastasis usually occurs in an isolated setting. We performed sternal reconstruction using a new total titanium custom-made neosternum after subtotal sternectomy for an isolated BC metastasis. Postoperative care was uneventful during a 7-day in-hospital stay. After a 6-month follow-up, the patient denied any shortness of breath, chest pain or limitation on her daily activities. The chest was stable without any paradoxical motion. Chest X-ray did not show any material fracture, pleural effusion or lung abnormalities. As it entails lower postoperative risk than previously existing reconstructive materials, the new material used in our sternal reconstruction may extend the existing range of indications of sternectomy for cancer with curative intent.