21 March 2018
: Case report
Clavicle Kirschner Wire Migration into Left Lung: A Case Report
Unusual clinical course, Challenging differential diagnosis, Unusual or unexpected effect of treatment, Diagnostic / therapeutic accidents, Clinical situation which can not be reproduced for ethical reasons
Érica Lofrano Reghine1BCDF, Caio César Inaco Cirino1BCDF, André Amate Neto1BCDF, Fabiana Rossi Varallo1E, Paulo Roberto Barbosa Évora2DE, Tales Rubens de Nadai12ABCDEF*DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.908014
Am J Case Rep 2018; 19:325-328
Abstract
BACKGROUND: Kirschner wires are often used to perform osteosynthesis. Migration through tissue of these wires is a rare but well-known occurrence.
CASE REPORT: A 65-year-old female presented with light intensity pain complaints in the upper left chest area; personal history included left clavicle fracture 20 years ago that was treated surgically with fixation using a K-wire. Chest radiography showed the presence of metallic foreign body in the left pulmonary apex. An exploratory axillary thoracotomy was performed, and the foreign body was extracted by a pneumotomy.
CONCLUSIONS: To obtain satisfactory results with a K-wire, some peculiarities in their application should be respected. The time from orthopedic surgery of the collarbone to migration into the chest of the metal rod used can vary from one day to nearly 20 years. Although the migration mechanism remains unclear, it is likely that it involves shoulder movements, breathing movements, negative intrathoracic pressure, gravitational force, or local bone resorption. Caution should be exercised when orthopedic pins and wires are used for the fixation of fractures and dislocations of the shoulder girdle. If there is migration of the wire, it should be removed immediately to avoid sudden and fatal complications.
Keywords: Clavicle, Device Removal, Risk Management, Thoracic Surgery
In Press
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945747
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945539
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.945795
Case report
Am J Case Rep In Press; DOI: 10.12659/AJCR.946588
Most Viewed Current Articles
21 Jun 2024 : Case report
88,518
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.944371
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e944371
07 Mar 2024 : Case report
50,005
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943133
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943133
20 Nov 2023 : Case report
25,154
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.941424
Am J Case Rep 2023; 24:e941424
18 Feb 2024 : Case report
22,640
DOI :10.12659/AJCR.943030
Am J Case Rep 2024; 25:e943030