Abstract
Kirschner wire (K-wire) is one of the commonly used implants in orthopaedics practice. Migration of the wire is one of the most frequently reported complications after fixation by the K-wire. In particular, it has been reported that a greater range of motion in the shoulder, negative intrathoracic pressure associated with respiration, gravitational force, and muscular activities may cause migration from the upper extremities. In general, thin and long foreign bodies with smooth surfaces that are localized within the tendon sheath and at an upper extremity can migrate more readily and can reach longer distances. Here, we present a patient with long-term migration of a broken K-wire who underwent fixation for acromioclavicular joint dislocation 5 years ago.
Highlights
Kirschner wire (K-wire) is one of the commonly used implants in orthopaedics practice [1]
The mechanism that causes or enables K-wires to migrate is unknown, muscle activity has been postulated as an underlying cause [4]
Radiological evaluation revealed that a broken tip of the K-wire used in the fixation of the AC joint dislocation had migrated to the back of the neck (Figure 1)
Summary
Kirschner wire (K-wire) is one of the commonly used implants in orthopaedics practice [1]. There are several complications despite good outcomes with the use of K-wires [1,2,3]. These complications include wire loosening, tendon rupture, nerve damage, osteomyelitis, and pin tract infection [1,2,3]. Migration of the wire is one of the most frequent complications after fixation with a K-wire [2, 4]. We present a patient with long-term migration of a broken Kwire who underwent fixation for acromioclavicular (AC) joint dislocation 5 years ago
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