Major thoracic dehiscence: radiographic considerations.

Postoperative major thoracic dehiscence is an uncommon but potentially fatal complication which is sometimes difficult to detect clinically. Radiography may provide the initial clue to this abnormality. The wire sutures of sternotomy incisions may break, rotate, or become displaced. Disruption of posterolateral incisions is manifested by an increase in the distance between adjacent ribs. Air-fluid collections may be visible in the soft tissues of the chest wall.