Breast Reconstruction after Blunt Breast Trauma: Systematic Review and Case Report Using the Ribeiro Technique

Abstract

Blunt breast trauma occurs in 2% of blunt chest injuries. This study aimed to evaluate the evidence on breast reconstruction after blunt trauma associated with the use of a seat belt. Also, we describe the first case of breast reconstruction using the Ribeiro technique. In November 2022, a systematic search of MEDLINE, EMBASE, and Google Scholar databases was conducted. The literature was screened independently by two reviewers, and the data was extracted. Our search terms included breast, mammoplasty, blunt injury, and seat belts. In addition, we present the case of a woman with a left breast deformity and her reconstruction using the inferior Ribeiro flap technique. Six articles were included. All included studies were published between 2010 and 2021. The studies recruited seven patients. According to the Teo and Song classification, seven class 2b cases were reported. In five cases a breast reduction was performed in the deformed breast with different types of pedicles (three superomedial flaps, one lower flap, one superior flap). Only one case presented complications. The case here presented was a type 2b breast deformity in which the lower Ribeiro pedicle was used successfully without complications during follow-up. Until now there has been no consensus on reconstructive treatment due to the rarity of this entity. However, we must consider surgical treatment individually for each patient. We believe that the Ribeiro technique is a feasible and safe alternative in the treatment of posttraumatic breast deformities, offering very good long-term results.

Keywords

• blunt injury
• breast reconstruction
• traffic accident
• seat belts