Poststernotomy Complications: A Multimodal Review of Normal and Abnormal Postoperative Imaging Findings.

OBJECTIVE: The purpose of this article is to review the normal postoperative appearance of various sternotomy configurations as well as the pathophysiologic and imaging characteristics of sternotomy complications on radiographs, MDCT, MRI, and scintigraphy. CONCLUSION: Clinical signs of sternotomy complications are nonspecific and often overlap with normal postoperative changes. Knowledge of normal and abnormal imaging findings is essential to guide management and treatment.