Osteolytic lesion indicating Pseudomonas sternal osteomyelitis

A. K. Mandal, M. Fiala, S. S. Oparah and H. Thadepalli

Two cases of osteolytic lesion of the sternum were caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa. Both were in heroin addicts, and both occurred as a delayed reaction to injury in an automobile accident. Bony curettage and appropriate antibiotic therapy were sufficient for diagnosis and cure. Tobramycin sulfate (3 mg/kg/day), a new aminoglycoside, was successfully used in both instances. Excision of the sternum was not necessary.