Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jul 13, 2026
08:26
Design of a Biocompatible Drug-Eluting Tracheal Stent in Mice with Laryngotracheal Stenosis
Published on: January 21, 2020
Intrathoracic migration of Steinman wire
Alpay Sarper1, Mustafa Urgüden, Levent Dertsiz
1Department of Thoracic Surgery, Medical Faculty of Akdeniz University, Antalya, Turkey. sarper@med.akdeniz.edu.tr
Interactive Cardiovascular and Thoracic Surgery
|August 3, 2007
Summary
Intrathoracic migration of Steinman wires can occur after shoulder surgery, causing back pain. Using threaded pins instead of smooth ones may prevent this complication.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Thoracic Surgery
- Medical Device Complications
Background:
- Steinman wires are utilized in orthopedic procedures for fracture fixation and shoulder dislocation treatment.
- Complications such as intrathoracic migration of these wires, though rare, can pose significant clinical challenges.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report two cases of symptomatic intrathoracic migration of Steinman wires following shoulder procedures.
- To highlight the potential for this complication and suggest preventative measures.
Main Methods:
- Case report of two patients experiencing symptomatic intrathoracic migration of Steinman wires.
- Surgical removal of the migrated wires via thoracotomy.
Main Results:
- Both patients presented with back pain attributed to the migrated Steinman wires.
- Successful removal of the wires was achieved through thoracotomy with uneventful postoperative recovery.
Conclusions:
- Intrathoracic migration of Steinman wires is a potential complication in shoulder fixation surgeries.
- The use of threaded pins is recommended over smooth pins in the shoulder region to mitigate this risk.
