## Overview Sternal osteomyelitis is bacterial infection of the sternebrae (breastbone segments). It causes a painful swelling on the ventral midline, often with a draining tract, and fever. It may follow trauma, surgery, or hematogenous spread. ## Causes Bacterial infection, often after wound or trauma. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, radiographs or computed tomography, and culture of drainage. ## Treatment Prolonged antibiotics and surgical debridement of infected bone. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Chronic infection is difficult to clear. ## Prevention Prompt treatment of ventral chest wounds.
draining tract on the ventral midline; fever; painful swelling
## Overview Sternal osteomyelitis is bacterial infection of the sternebrae (breastbone segments). It causes a painful swelling on the ventral midline, often with a draining tract, and fever. It may follow trauma, surgery, or hematogenous spread. ## Causes Bacterial infection, often after wound or trauma. ## Diagnosis Clinical signs, radiographs or computed tomography, and culture of drainage. ## Treatment Prolonged antibiotics and surgical debridement of infected bone. Prognosis is guarded. ## Recovery and Prognosis Guarded. Chronic infection is difficult to clear. ## Prevention Prompt treatment of ventral chest wounds.
draining tract on the ventral midline; fever; painful swelling