Intrathoracic migration of a Steinman wire: a case report and review of the literature.
BACKGROUND
Migration of orthopaedic fixation wires into the thoracic cavity occurs infrequently, but can have dire consequences. Although rare, intrathoracic migration is a serious complication that demands immediate removal.


METHODS
We present a case of a 59-year-old man with an intrathoracic migration of a Steinman wire used for the treatment of a shoulder fracture. Surprisingly, the migration was asymptomatic. The Steinman wire was successfully retrieved from the thorax via thoracotomy.


CONCLUSIONS
The migration of pins and wires can cause fatal complications and should be considered as very hazardous. Therefore, if wires need to be used, terminally threaded pins are safer and the free end should be bent. The patients should be frequently followed, both clinically and radiographically, until all the wires are removed.
Sergides
Neoptolemos N
NN
Orthopaedic Department, Central Clinic of Athens - Diagnostic and Treatment Center, Asklepiou 31 str, 106-80, Greece. neosergides@msn.com
Nikolopoulos
Dimitrios D
DD
Yfadopoulos
Dimitrios K
DK
Novi
Evanthia A
EA
Kanata
Maria P
MP