The Southern Medical Journal (SMJ) is the official, peer-reviewed journal of the Southern Medical Association. It has a multidisciplinary and inter-professional focus that covers a broad range of topics relevant to physicians and other healthcare specialists.

SMJ // Article

Case Report

Sternal Osteomyelitis After Minor Trauma

Authors: David A. Edelman MD, Julian E. Losanoff MD, Bruce W. Richman MA, James W. Jones MD, PhD

Abstract

Abstract:Sternal osteomyelitis secondary to minor trauma occurs rarely. Only a handful of cases have been reported. A 24-year-old male patient who had history of intravenous drug abuse and recent minor sternal trauma presented with signs and symptoms of sternal infection. Imaging studies suggested osteomyelitis and the patient underwent sternal resection, with a successful outcome. Sternal osteomyelitis should be suspected in immunocompromised patients, including intravenous drug abusers presenting with sternal inflammatory symptoms. Increased awareness, rapid diagnosis, and appropriate empiric antibiotic and radical surgical treatments can successfully manage life-threatening osteomyelitis of the sternum.

This content is limited to qualifying members.

Existing members, please login first

If you have an existing account please login now to access this article or view purchase options.

Purchase only this article ($25)

Create a free account, then purchase this article to download or access it online for 24 hours.

Purchase an SMJ online subscription ($75)

Create a free account, then purchase a subscription to get complete access to all articles for a full year.

Purchase a membership plan (fees vary)

Premium members can access all articles plus recieve many more benefits. View all membership plans and benefit packages.

References

References1.Upadhyaya M, Keil A, Thonell S, et al. Primary sternal osteomyelitis: a case series and review of the literature. J Pediatr Surg 2005;40:1623–1627.UpadhyayaM]]KeilA]]ThonellS&etal;Primary sternal osteomyelitis: a case series and review of the literature.J Pediatr Surg2005401623-16272.Banic A, Ris HB, Erni D, et al. Free latissimus dorsi flap for chest wall repair after complete resection of infected sternum. Ann Thorac Surg 1995;60:1028–1032.BanicA]]RisHB]]ErniD&etal;Free latissimus dorsi flap for chest wall repair after complete resection of infected sternum.Ann Thorac Surg1995601028-10323.Boll KL, Jurik AG. Sternal osteomyelitis in drug addicts. J Bone Joint Surg Br 1990;72:328–329.BollKL]]JurikAGSternal osteomyelitis in drug addicts.J Bone Joint Surg Br199072328-3294.Pinilla I, Martin-Hervas C, Gil-Garay E. Primary sternal osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces israelii. South Med J 2006;99:96–97.PinillaI]]Martin-HervasC]]Gil-GarayEPrimary sternal osteomyelitis caused by Actinomyces israelii.South Med J20069996-975.Lin JC, Miller SR, Gazzaniga AB. Primary sternal osteomyelitis. Ann Thorac Surg 1996;61:225–227.LinJC]]MillerSR]]GazzanigaABPrimary sternal osteomyelitis.Ann Thorac Surg199661225-2276.Losanoff JE, Richman BW, Jones JW. Disruption and infection of median sternotomy: a comprehensive review. Eur J Cardiothorac Surg 2002;21:831–839.LosanoffJE]]RichmanBW]]JonesJWDisruption and infection of median sternotomy: a comprehensive review.Eur J Cardiothorac Surg200221831-8397.Metallidis S, Nikolaidis J, Lazaraki G, et al. Penetration of linezolid into sternal bone of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery. Int J Antimicrob Agents 2007;29:742–744.MetallidisS]]NikolaidisJ]]LazarakiG&etal;Penetration of linezolid into sternal bone of patients undergoing cardiopulmonary bypass surgery.Int J Antimicrob Agents200729742-744