title: External fixation of the sternum after infected dehiscence due to a shotgun wound: case report.
abstract: Pulmonary dysfunction and subsequent ventilator dependence may result after dehiscence of a median sternotomy if there are other complicating injuries. We report a case in which external fixation was used to achieve thoracic stability after infected dehiscence of a median sternotomy, following shotgun wound to the epigastrium.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, University of South Florida, Tampa.
authors.forename: J L
authors.initials: JL
authors.lastname: Walker
authors.forename: P A
authors.initials: PA
authors.lastname: Kearney
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Rosemurgy
mesh_terms: D000328:Adult; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D013249:Sternum / Q000601:surgery*; D013529:Surgical Wound Dehiscence / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D013898:Thoracic Injuries / Q000601:surgery; D014946:Wound Infection / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D014948:Wounds, Gunshot / Q000601:surgery*