Quantitative assessment and risk factors for chest wall deformity resulting from tissue expansion for breast reconstruction

Background Chest wall deformity after tissue expansion for breast reconstruction is less recognized than complications such as infection, hematoma, skin necrosis and capsular contracture. However, the condition should not be discounted because pain, rib fracture and dyspnea may occur in severe cases. The aim of this study is to evaluate the extent of chest wall deformity quantitatively using computed tomography (CT) and to identify risk factors for this condition after tissue expansion.