Poland Syndrome is a rare congenital disorder that affects the development of the pectoralis major muscle, located behind the breasts, and can cause a number of aesthetic and functional alterations.
In this article, we will discuss what Poland Syndrome is, its most common symptoms, the possible causes that cause it, and how it is diagnosed. In addition, we will explore the treatment and correction options available for both women and men, with the aim of improving the aesthetics and functionality of the affected area. If you want to learn more about how to treat this syndrome and what alternatives exist to correct the associated deformities, keep reading.
What is Poland syndrome?
El Poland syndrome It is a birth defect or congenital disorder, which consists of Complete or partial lack of development of the pectoralis major muscle, that is, the muscle located behind the breasts in both men and women.
Normally this disorder It occurs on one side of the body, although this does not always have to happen. Sometimes this defect is accompanied by joined fingers on the hand., what is called: “cutaneous syndactyly”, that is, fingers that have a bridge of skin between them.
It is thought to be due to a interruption of arterial blood circulation, which has to reach the upper limb that is affected by Poland syndrome, during embryonic development. These aesthetic deficiencies are often the reason for consultation in our Plastic and aesthetic surgery clinic in Madrid.
When you come to our consultation plastic surgery a patient with a tissue deficit in one of the pectoral muscles, We study your case in depth to see if you have any other physical defects. This could include missing one or two ribs, having fused fingers, a deformed sternum, muscles in the shoulder girdle that are also injured on the same side affected by Poland syndrome, etc.
Symptom
Poland Syndrome is primarily characterized by partial or complete underdevelopment of the pectoralis major muscle, which is located behind the breasts. Although this congenital disorder can vary in severity, the most common symptoms include:
- Asymmetry in the chest: One of the affected sides of the body shows a decrease in muscle volume, which creates an uneven appearance in the chest.
- Absence or underdevelopment of the ribs:In some cases, patients with Poland Syndrome may also be missing one or two ribs.
- Deformities of the sternum: Some people with this syndrome may have a sternum with an altered shape, such as pectus excavatum (sunken sternum).
- Changes in the muscles of the shoulder girdlePoland syndrome can affect other muscles near the pectoral muscle, such as the muscles in the back or shoulder region.
- Cutaneous syndactyly: A considerable number of people with Poland Syndrome also have spliced fingers (cutaneous syndactyly), that is, a bridge of skin joining the fingers together.
How is Poland syndrome corrected?
Once the complete aesthetic diagnosis of the patient has been carried out, in the case of women, and having verified that there are no injuries to the rib cage or any other major injuries, we can put a bilateral breast prosthesis that corrects the deformity totally or partiallyTo do this, we will place an anatomical breast prosthesis on the side that suffers from Poland syndrome, generally larger than that of the healthy side, in order to compensate for the volume asymmetry between the two sides.
In these patients we can also choose to place a fat grafting or lipofilling, with or without breast implants, to be able to shape and add volume to that area.
In the case of men who suffer from Poland syndrome, during childhood a bipolar transfer of latissimus dorsi, which is one of the muscles that are in the back, so that the child grows up having a muscle transplant that supplants or replaces the pectoral muscle that has disappeared or never developed.
However, adult patients who have grown up with Poland syndrome do not accept having the latissimus dorsi placed in the pectoral area because it leaves sequelae and scars, and they are usually patients who do not have any mobility problems in the pectoral muscle. So, in the case of Adult men often prefer fat transfer or the use of a gender-appropriate pectoral implant.
Conclusion
In conclusion, I would like to underline the Importance of prior study of the patient to detect the existence or not of more anatomical lesions, which could go unnoticed if the study is not completed correctly.
For information on the technique, the postoperative period or any questions about Poland Syndrome, contact the plastic, aesthetic and reconstructive surgeon, Dr. Sordo.
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