A Novel Clinical Application of the Classical Bakamjian Flap in the Reconstruction of a Sternal Chondrosarcoma Defect

The deltopectoral flap also called the Bakamjian flap was originally described as a two-stage procedure for pharygoesophageal reconstruction following laryngopharyngectomy. It became the “workhorse” flap for head and neck reconstruction in the 1960s, but its popularity gradually faded with the introduction of pedicled myocutaneous flaps and subsequently microvascular free flaps. However, the technical simplicity of raising the Bakamjian flap along with its predictable vascular supply has ensured that the flap continues to remain as a time-tested salvage option in head and neck reconstruction. The use of this flap for sternal reconstruction, to the best of our knowledge, has not been described before. We present a rare case of a primary sternal chondrosarcoma and discuss its management challenges and also present, possibly for the first time, a novel application for the well-described Bakamjian flap in this setting as a single-stage procedure.