[Isolated tuberculosis of the sternum]

Abstract

Isolated tuberculous foci of the sternum are rare. In a period of 26 years (1955 to 1981) we have treated ten sternal lesions surgically in our clinic. Eight of these were tuberculous. The clinical material (three females, five males) is described, including diagnostic and therapeutic details. The frequency, localisation, clinical features, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and differential diagnosis of specific sternal infections are discussed and the relevant literature is reviewed.