Case report reveals dual K-wire migration into cervical region in a middle-aged male, suggesting vigilance in post-surgery monitoring.
Introduction: Kirschner wires (K-wires) are commonly used in orthopedic fixation, but their potential for migration can lead to serious complications. Case Report: We present a rare case of a middle-aged male who reported persistent right-sided neck and shoulder pain 3 years following surgery for a lateral end clavicle fracture. Imaging revealed two broken K-wire fragments – one in the right supraclavicular region and another in the posterior neck musculature. The wires were successfully removed through a posterior neck surgical approach with the help of an otorhinologist, and the patient had complete symptomatic resolution postoperatively. Conclusion: This case underscores the unusual scenario of dual K-wire migration into the cervical region without neurological involvement. It highlights the critical importance of timely hardware removal and cautious use of unthreaded K-wires in mobile joints such as the acromioclavicular joint. Clinicians must be vigilant about potential wire migration, especially in patients with unexplained persistent pain post-surgery. Early detection and multidisciplinary surgical management are key to preventing catastrophic outcomes.
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Tripathy et al. (2026) studied this question.
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