Intrathoracic migration of a Kirschner wire

Injury. 1990 Mar;21(2):124-6. doi: 10.1016/0020-1383(90)90074-5.

Abstract

Migration of Kirschner wires, Rush pins, etc., is well known. Such migrations usually follow a retrograde path and the wires protrude near the entry point. Occasionally migration occurs in another direction. We describe a case in which the Kirschner wire migrated from the shoulder to the thorax. Several factors caused this migration. This complication must be avoided by bending the free end of the wire, removing the osteosynthesis material as soon as possible and following up the patient for a long period.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Wires*
  • Female
  • Foreign Bodies / diagnostic imaging*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal
  • Humans
  • Humeral Fractures / surgery
  • Orthopedic Fixation Devices*
  • Postoperative Complications / prevention & control
  • Radiography, Thoracic
  • Thorax*