[Intrathoracic dislocation of a metal-piece after the use of wires in bone-surgery (author's transl)].

Two cases of intrathoracic dislocation of Kirschner's wire are reported. In one case the migration of the wire had been discovered 3 years after osteosynthesis of the acromioclavicular joint and incomplete removal of the metal. In another case a fragment of Kirschner's wire had to be removed by mediastinoscopy five months after fixation of the sternoclavicular joint. The application of wire in clavicular joint position - even in connection with cerclage - does not correspond with the conditions of osteosynthesis fit for active or passive movement. Ligament healing requires additional fixation, gymnastic mobilisation under control is necessary. The wires should be removed completely after 8-10 weeks, intrathoracic dislocation requires treatment by a surgeon with good experience in thoracic surgery.