Transthoracic migration of a Kirschner wire from the humerus to the abdomen

Abstract

Migration of Kirschner wires after fracture fixation is a rare complication. Several cases of intrathoracic migration after humeral or clavicle fixation with this technique have been reported though. We describe an even rarer case where a wire migrated from the proximal humerus to the abdomen perforating the left thoracic cavity and hemidiaphragm. The distal end of the wire was located next to the spleen and its proximal end at the fifth intercostal space. This particular case could be managed with a simple direct removal through an incission at the fifth intercostal space. The postoperative course was uneventful. © The Author 2011. Published by Oxford University Press on behalf of the European Association for Cardio-Thoracic Surgery. All rights reserved.