Migration of a broken Kirschner pin into thoracic spinal canal 4 years following internal fixation of a clavicle fracture

摘要

Fractures of the clavicle are common injuries and some of them need open reduction and internal fixation. As one of economical and practical implants, Kirschner pins (K-pins) are widely employed to treat clavicle fractures through percutaneous fixation in minimal invasion. However, as one of rare and severe complications, K-pins migrations to ascending aorta, thorax, spine and neck have been published previously. Here, a case of migration of a broken K-pin to thoracic spinal canal 4 years following internal fixation of a clavicle fracture is reported, and concerning attention in clinical practice is discussed.