Migration of Kirschner wire into the spinal canal as complication of inveterate shoulder luxation treatment - case study.

We report a case of intrathoracic migration of a Kirschner wire used for inveterate anterior right shoulder luxation penetrating the spinal canal through the right Th8 nerve root foramen. The migration was asymptomatic. The treatment involved removing the pin via posterolateral thoracotomy. The postoperative course was uneventful. Intrathoracic migration of Kirschner wires should be expected in patients so treated for shoulder problems. This complication can be avoided through using a threaded pin for the shoulder surgery, bending the external end of the pin and choosing a correct diameter of the Kirschner wire.