Radiographic methods in diagnostics of infectious diseases of the sternum and ribs

Abstract

Aim to analyze the current possibilities of polypositional radiography and computed tomography (CT) in the diagnosis of infectious and inflammatory processes of the chest wall. Material and methods. 221 patient with an infectious process in the sternum and ribs was treated in the surgical thoracic department of the "Samara Regional Clinical Hospital n.a. V.D. Seredavin" in the period from 2012 to 2020. All patients underwent CT of the chest as the primary diagnostic radiological method. Results. Plain radiography allows for visualizing and evaluating the number of metal ligatures on the sternum, their position and relationship with it. The preference for CT is due to its capabilities both as a screening method and as a method for clarifying diagnostics (diagnosis verification). It helps to visualize the comparison of the sternal parts, the state of metal ligatures, determine the indications for bone resection and removal of incompetent fixing elements. Conclusion. Each radiographic method for examining the chest has its own indications and its place in the arsenal of a thoracic surgeon.

Keywords

• chest radiography
• sternum and ribs osteomyelitis
• chest computed tomograph
• post-sternotomy mediastinitis