Chronic osteomyelitis after sternotomy

Two patients with chronic sternal osteomyelitis after an initially uncomplicated coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) operation are described. Chronic osteomyelitis, caused in both cases by Pseudomonas aeruginosa, occurred six and four months after CABG respectively. Because chronic infection failed to respond to local wound care and medical therapy, more radical treatment was needed. Steel wires were removed and surgical debridement was performed. In one patient, an additional omental transposition was performed. In both cases radical debridement in combination with antibiotics successfully eradicated the infection.