[Complications due to migration of a Kirschner wire from the clavicle (author's transl)]

The complications due to migration of a Kirschner wire from the clavicle are described. The major complication of a vascular and pulmonary kind were found in five cases. Migration of the wire into major vessels (aorta, subclavian artery) were seen twice and in three cases, the wire entered the lung. Removal of the wire from the aorta had a fatal result. Before removing displaced fixation wires, accurate localisation is necessary, if necessary using angiography in order to plan the subsequent operation. To avoid migration of the wire, one end should be bent to form a walking-stick shape, and the arm should be immobilised.