[X-ray findings of the sternum after sternotomy (author's transl)]

X-ray examination of the sternum after sternotomy supplies proof of rupture of a suture, of dehiscence of the sternum, malpositioning of the wire ligature, of the cutting-through of the fixation wire by the bone, of the fracture, pseudoarthrosis and inflammation. Fractures can be located in the manubrium sterni, the body of the sternum, the xiphoid process and in one of the two parts of the sternum. Pseudoarthroses can be seen in the manubrium, in the body of the sternum or as longitudinal pseudoarthroses. Pseudoarthroses were found only in conjunction with inflammatory chances. Signs pointing to an osteomyelitis of the sternum can be very discreet. This applies to both the reactive scleroses and to osteolyses. In individual cases the examination of a fistula system allows identification of a connection to the bone or to the ligature material. Retrosternal abscesses can be differentiated in the computer tomogram from dissections after bolus injection. Diagnosis by exclusion requires tomography in two planes with complicated blurs. In such cases the diagnostic reliability is probably far superior to the reliability achieved by plain roentgenography and with longitudinal blurring.