Urethral erosion of a bone screw after internal urethrotomy: a rare complication after pelvic trauma

Ir J Med Sci. 2010 Sep;179(3):443-5. doi: 10.1007/s11845-008-0232-1. Epub 2008 Oct 11.

Abstract

Background: Although screw breakage or loosening are rarely encountered, they were reported to occur after instability of the internal fixation.

Methods: A man with a history of traumatic pelvic fracture 6 months ago presented to our clinic with inability to void. An anterior urethral meatotomy was made and a calcified but intact screw was removed from the urethra.

Conclusions: Screw migration with urological manifestations are extremely rare and usually include bladder migration with a subsequent voiding of the screw. We present a case in which internal urethrotomy for posterior urethral stricture caused erosion of a bone screw into the urethra which was subsequently removed by anterior meatotomy.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Adult
  • Bone Screws / adverse effects*
  • Dilatation, Pathologic
  • Foreign-Body Migration / complications*
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnostic imaging
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects*
  • Fractures, Bone / surgery*
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Pelvic Bones / injuries*
  • Postoperative Complications / diagnostic imaging
  • Radiography
  • Urethra / pathology
  • Urinary Bladder / injuries