[Roentgenologic observation of the course following sternotomy].

The course of healing after medial sternotomy can be controlled by means of tomography of the sternum. If healing progresses in a normal way, restitution can be seen in the region of the corpus sterni after about 20 days, whereas restitution in the area of the manubrium sterni is evident after 8 weeks only. Osseous absorption is a leading x-ray sign of disturbed restitution, the other leading sign being persistence of dehiscence of the sternum following sternotomy.