J Korean Orthop Assoc.  2013 Jun;48(3):231-235. 10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.3.231.

Spinal Canal Migration of a K-Wire Used for Fixation of a Distal Clavicular Fracture

• Lee BI
• Kim YB
• Choi HS
• Kim CH
• Ji JW

• KMID: 2106677
• DOI: http://doi.org/10.4055/jkoa.2013.48.3.231

Abstract

We report on migration of the K-wire, which is used in fixation of a distal clavicular fracture, to the spinal canal. A 39-year-old male was admitted to our hospital with pain in his right shoulder. He had undergone surgery for a right distal clavicular fracture (in another hospital) ten years ago. Plain radiographs showed an old right distal clavicle fracture fixed with three K-wires. One of the three K-wires had broken, and the broken K-wire had migrated to the spinal canal. Fortunately, the patient exhibited no neurological symptoms, however, there was a possibility of fatal complications, such as spinal cord injury. Therefore, we recommend close follow-up for patients who undergo repair of a distal clavicular fracture is fixed using a K-wire, with use of x-ray until the K-wire has been removed.

Keyword

distal clavicular fracture; Kirschner wire; spinal canal; migration

MeSH Terms

Clavicle
Follow-Up Studies
Humans
Male
Shoulder
Spinal Canal
Spinal Cord Injuries

Figure

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  Figure 1 Antero-posterior radiographs (A, B) and lateral radiograph (C) taken before surgical removal of the K-wire show that the K-wire had migrated into the cervical spinal canal at the C7 level.

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  Figure 2 Coronal (A) and axial (B, C) cervical computed tomography scans confirming migration of the K-wire into the cervical spinal canal at the C7 level. The K-wire is located anterior to the spinal cord.

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