A Case of Video-assisted Thoracoscopic Surgery for Intra-thoracic Migrated Kirschner Wire

Abstract

Background. Some cases of migration of Kirschner wire were seen in the region of orthopediatric surgery. However, migration to the thoracic cavity is relatively rare. Case. An 82-year-old woman underwent surgical fixation using of 3 Kirschner wires for right humerus fracture in another hospital. After 3 weeks, migration of 1 Kirschner wire was pointed out at the time of wire removal under radiographic guidance. Then she was referred to our hospital. Chest CT showed migration of one wire to the right thoracic cavity and slight pneumothorax. Video-assisted thoracic surgery (VATS) was performed immediately. Thoracoscopy showed a 7.0 cm Kirschner wire piercing the margin between S⁶ and S⁸. After removal, bleeding and bronchial fistula were not seen at the injured site. She was discharged 4 days after surgery. Conclusion. VATS was useful for examination and removal of the Kirschner wire which had migrated into the thoracic space.