Evaluation of postoperative osteomyelitis of the sternum using tomography and computerized tomography.

Thirty-five patients were evaluated for possible postoperative sternal osteomyelitis by tomography. Frank bone destruction and severe demineralization were the only radiologic signs that helped to distinguish patients with sternal osteomyelitis from those with infections limited to soft tissues. We report a patient in whom sternal osteomyelitis was shown by computerized tomography (CT). This observation suggests that CT may provide added information, especially if the sternum is severely demineralized.