Migration of a Kirschner pin from the shoulder to the lung, requiring surgery

Asian Cardiovasc Thorac Ann. 2013 Apr;21(2):222-3. doi: 10.1177/0218492312450021.

Abstract

A 62-year-old woman underwent a reduction of a proximal reduced humeral fracture, which was fixed by 3 Kirschner pins. One year later, the orthopedic surgeon failed to remove one of the wires. The patient was lost to follow-up, and 4 years later, she presented with hemoptysis, revealing migration of the pin to the lung. The pin was removed through a thoracotomy. Migration to the lung is often revealed by hemoptysis or pneumothorax. Close follow-up and early removal of the pins are mandatory.

Keywords: Bone wires; foreign-body migration; hemoptysis; lung injury.

Publication types

  • Case Reports

MeSH terms

  • Bone Nails*
  • Device Removal* / methods
  • Female
  • Foreign-Body Migration / diagnosis
  • Foreign-Body Migration / etiology
  • Foreign-Body Migration / surgery*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / adverse effects*
  • Fracture Fixation, Internal / instrumentation*
  • Hemoptysis / etiology
  • Humans
  • Lung Injury / diagnosis
  • Lung Injury / etiology
  • Lung Injury / surgery*
  • Middle Aged
  • Prosthesis Design
  • Reoperation
  • Shoulder Fractures / surgery*
  • Thoracotomy
  • Time Factors
  • Treatment Outcome