Broken pin removal from hip joint using arthroscopic grasper – A technical note and review of literature

Abstract

Guidewire breakage during a surgical procedure is uncommon but still challenging for orthopedic surgeons. Due to the potential for harmful complications, surgeons prefer to remove broken wires near the joint surface or neurovascular bundle in the hip region. Due to the depth of the location, the retrieval procedure is arduous, time-consuming, and potentially dangerous. This study describes a case of a sub-capital femoral neck fracture that was fixed with a cannulated screw. However, three years later, the distal portion of the guidewire broke and migrated into the hip joint, where it became entrapped. This study describes a method for removing a broken wire from the hip region and a relevant literature review. In brief, initially, we untightened the screw and removed it. Afterward, the broken wire was reached by reaming in the direction of the screw. Ultimately, we advanced the arthroscopic grasper to the broken wire for removal under fluoroscopic guidance. The study's findings indicate that this method could provide a promising outcome with minimal complications.