Poland's syndrome

The main purpose of surgical correction in Poland's syndrome is to improve chest wall symmetry and correct breast hypoplasia. Creation of an anterior axillary fold and smoothing out the infraclavicular defect greatly improves the final result. Cardiorespiratory function may be impaired, but serious conditions requiring early operative correction are rare. When present, unilateral costochondral agenesis involves one to three segments in the mid-anterior chest and sternal depression to that side. Operative planning in such cases includes a multi-layered approach to provide a solid base for soft tissue reconstruction of the more superficial layers.