Infection in the breast bone, ribs or cartilages of the chest after any open heart surgery occurs in 2-5% of patients depending on the clinical status of the patient, presence or absence of diabetes and other technical reasons. This infection in a small percentage of cases can be very difficult to eradicate as the bacteria lodge in inaccessible areas of the bone which do not have any adequate blood supply so that the antibiotics cannot reach them. It is almost akin to the situation of terrorists hiding in the society. No matter what you do, it becomes nigh impossible to eradicate them from every nook and corner. Similarly, antibiotics take care of major quantum of infection but can not remove just that last bit of germ lingering in a remote corner of the wound. Therefore, some times, these bone infections are very recalcitrant and difficult to eradicate. One has to be very patient and not lose one’s will power. I may mention here that in these situations body’s immunity level and nutritional status too play a very important role. I would therefore advise to be under regular follow up of your treating cardiac surgeon with a clear understanding that your problem may take a long time to heal and may require multiple minor operations and courses of antibiotics. I hope I have answered your queries but if you have any other, please feel free to contact us and it shall be our pleasure to answer them.