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

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.