title: Primary sternal osteomyelitis: a case series and review of the literature.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  Primary sternal osteomyelitis is rare in the pediatric population.
  
  
  METHODS
  We present 4 recent cases that demonstrate a wide range in age, presenting features, and clinical course, and we performed a literature review.
  
  
  RESULTS
  A combination of diagnostic aspiration with prolonged appropriate antibiotic therapy led to successful resolution in all cases. Surgical debridement should be reserved for cases that do not respond to medical therapy.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Sternal osteomyelitis is a rare condition in children that usually resolves with aspiration and prolonged antibiotic therapy.
authors.affiliation: Department of Paediatric Surgery, Princess Margaret Hospital, Australia.
authors.forename: Manasvi
authors.initials: M
authors.lastname: Upadhyaya
authors.forename: Anthony
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Keil
authors.forename: Sven
authors.initials: S
authors.lastname: Thonell
authors.forename: Jillian
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Orford
authors.forename: David
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Burgner
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D002675:Child, Preschool; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D007223:Infant; D008297:Male; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000175:diagnosis* / Q000188:drug therapy*; D013249:Sternum