Publication:

A rare case of migration of clavicular Kirschner nail turned into foreign body of the neck

Kirchner wire (K-wire) fixation done for orthopedic fixation of fractures of shoulder girdles and clavicles show rare migration into the neck surrounding tissues and sometimes spinal canal. We present a unique case of a 40-year-old male with a rare migration of clavicular K-nail turned into foreign body of the neck. The patient presented with the chief complaint of pain in the left side of neck while coughing for 10 days. Imaging revealed a metallic shadow in the left deep neck space which was surgically removed via neck exploration under general anesthesia. Successful and timely removal of the nail can prevent life threatening complications. This case report highlights a rare instance of clavicular K-nail migration and its potential risks, if the smooth nail migrates into the neck. Therefore, it is imperative to choose implants with utmost care and timely explant, once the fractures have healed.