Migration of a Kirschner pin from the shoulder to the lung, requiring surgery. (April 2013)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Cameliere, Lucie; Rosat, Paul; Heyndrickx, Maxime; Le Rochais, Jean-Philippe; Icard, Philippe
• Is Part Of: Asian cardiovascular & thoracic annals. Volume 21:Number 2(2013)
• Page Start: 222
• Page End: 223
• Publication Date: 2013-04
• Subjects: Bone wires -- foreign-body migration -- hemoptysis -- lung injury; Heart -- Diseases -- Asia -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Heart -- Diseases -- Periodicals; Heart -- Surgery -- Asia -- Periodicals; Heart -- Surgery -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Heart -- Surgery -- Periodicals; Chest -- Surgery -- Asia -- Periodicals; Chest -- Surgery -- Pacific Area -- Periodicals; Chest -- Surgery -- Periodicals; 617.412
• DOI: 10.1177/0218492312450021
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0218-4923

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.