Intraspinal migration of a Kirschner wire 3 months after clavicular fracture fixation

Neurosurg Rev. 2002 Mar;25(1-2):110-2. doi: 10.1007/s101430100186.

Abstract

The authors describe a patient who had Kirschner (K-) wire osteosynthesis of a right lateral clavicular fracture and developed a tetraparesis after 3 months. Plain X-ray and CT scan showed an intraspinal migration of one K-wire through the intervertebral foramen of C5/6. The K-wire was pulled out through an opening of the wound over the right clavicle. No CSF fistula was seen. The patient recovered without any postoperative neurological deficit. Patients with K-wire osteosynthesis should be informed about the risk of dislocation and wandering and should regularly be seen in the outpatient clinic. Regular X-rays should be performed. The K-wires must be sufficiently bent at the distal end to prevent wandering into the proximal direction. The K-wires should be removed soon after 6 weeks and, in cases of dislocation and migration, as early as possible.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Wires / adverse effects*
  • Clavicle / injuries*
  • Foreign-Body Migration* / diagnosis
  • Fracture Fixation / instrumentation*
  • Fracture Fixation / methods*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Magnetic Resonance Imaging
  • Male
  • Middle Aged
  • Tomography, X-Ray Computed