Migration of Broken Kirschner Wire to the Brachial Plexus after Fixation of Fracture Dislocation of the Acromioclavicular Joint

Abstract

A complication of Kirschner (K) wire fixation is the migration of the wire. We report a patient who had undergone fixation of a right clavicle fracture associated with acromioclavicular joint (ACJ) dislocation 15 years ago. He presented with features of pain and dysaesthesia in the right ulnar nerve dermatome on the movement of the neck and shoulder. Radiographic investigations showed a broken K-wire that had migrated to the lower brachial plexus. He underwent surgical removal of the K-wire and recovered uneventfully. We summarise the literature on K-wire migration reported following clavicle and ACJ injuries. Level of Evidence: Level V (Therapeutic)