Migration of a K-wire from the distal radius to the heart. Am J Orthop (Belle Mead NJ) 2001 Feb;30(2):147-51
Date
03/10/2001Pubmed ID
11234942Scopus ID
2-s2.0-0035258948 (requires institutional sign-in at Scopus site) 22 CitationsAbstract
K-wires and Steinmann pins are used to provide internal fixation for fractures or osteotomies. In some instances, removal of the implant is planned and the implant is left long to facilitate its removal. In other instances, implant removal is not planned and the implant is cut off at the level of the bone. Migration of these implants to solid organs or body cavities has been reported. Extravascular migration may occur along tissue planes assisted by muscle motion. Large vessel penetration can occur and has been reported with subsequent migration of the implant to the heart. This case report documents the loosening of a K-wire used in the distal radius to supplement the fixation of a complex intra-articular fracture, migration of the implant along tissue planes, penetration into a peripheral vein, and continued migration of the implant to the heart. There are multiple reports documenting wandering bullets, venous catheter tips, and invasive monitoring devices in the extremities. This is only the second case report that the authors are aware of that confirms migration of an implant from the distal extremity to the heart.
Author List
Seipel RC, Schmeling GJ, Daley RAAuthor
Gregory J. Schmeling MD Vice Chair, Professor in the Orthopaedic Surgery department at Medical College of WisconsinMESH terms used to index this publication - Major topics in bold
AlcoholismBone Wires
Cardiac Surgical Procedures
Chest Pain
Follow-Up Studies
Foreign-Body Migration
Fracture Fixation, Internal
Heart
Humans
Magnetic Resonance Imaging
Male
Middle Aged
Radius Fractures
Risk Assessment
Tomography, X-Ray Computed
Treatment Outcome