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Migration of a broken Kirschner wire from an acromioclavicular joint into the neck: a case report

Migration d’une broche de Kirschner cassée de l’articulation acromio-claviculaire vers le cou

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Abstract

Migration of Kirschner wires and Steinmann pins when they are used for internal fixation of the shoulder girdle is a known complication, which could sometimes result in life threatening situations. A case of pin breakage used for fixation of an acromioclavicular joint dislocation with subsequent migration of its medial end into the neck is presented emphasizing the fact that bending the outer end of the wire doesn’t guarantee safety and wire migration is possible after its breakage. It seems that the most reliable way to avoid this complication is close radiographic follow up of the patient and removal of wire or pin at an appropriate time.

Résumé

La migration d’une broche de Kirschner ou d’un clou de Steinmann lorsqu’ils sont utilisés dans la ceinture scapulaire est une complication connue, qui peut parfois mettre en danger la vie du patient. Le cas d’une fracture de broche utilisée pour fixer une disjonction acromio-claviculaire avec comme conséquence sa migration dans le cou, souligne le fait que le recourbement de l’extrémité d’une broche ne garantit pas de ce risque, pour peu que la broche se casse. Il semble que la meilleure prévention de ce risque est le contrôle radiologique systématique et ‘ablation de la broche ou du hauban au moment opportun.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Orthopedic Surgery, Imam University Hospital, University of Tehran/Medical Sciences, Otheopedic Ward, End of Keshavarz Boulvard, Tehran, 14197-33141, Iran

    M. Motamedi, S. M. J. Mortazavi & S. H. Miresmaseeli

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  1. M. Motamedi
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  2. S. M. J. Mortazavi
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  3. S. H. Miresmaseeli
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Correspondence to S. M. J. Mortazavi.

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Motamedi, M., Mortazavi, S.M.J. & Miresmaseeli, S.H. Migration of a broken Kirschner wire from an acromioclavicular joint into the neck: a case report. Eur J Orthop Surg Traumatol 18, 19–21 (2008). https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-007-0257-6

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1007/s00590-007-0257-6

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