RESUMO
Metallic wires are used to stabilize clavicle, sternoclavicular joint and acromioclavicular joint in cases of fracture or dislocation. In spite of being unusual, these wires can migrate from its original place to inner side of the chest, going to mediastinum, including the heart and great vessels, and in the lungs, promoting potential death risks. The exact mechanism of this migration is unknown, but the literature suggest that intra-thoracic negative pressure and the gravity force have a significant impact. Objective: Study the migration dynamics of metallic wires inserted near the rabbits? shoulder articulation. Methods: Kirschner wire segments were inserted nearly rabbits? left shoulder articulation and after 60 days these material migration dynamics was evaluated through radiography. Results: The wire segments moved upward in 85% of the rabbits, to cephalic direction and to caudal direction. There was no movement toward the ventral or to inner part of the chest.