Related Experiment Video
Updated: Jun 6, 2026
04:41
Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025
Broken Kirschner or guide-wire retrieval: a report of 4 cases
Ramesh Kumar Sen1, Sujit Kumar Tripathy, Sameer Aggarwal
1Department of Orthopaedics, Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research, Chandigarh, India. senrameshpgi@yahoo.in
Summary
Broken surgical wires migrating into the hip or pelvis are rare but serious complications. This report details four challenging cases of retrieving these broken wires from around the hip joint.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Surgical Complications
- Medical Device Retrieval
Background:
- Surgical wires, such as Kirschner wires or guide wires, are commonly used in orthopedic procedures.
- Accidental intra-articular or pelvic migration of these wires can occur, leading to significant patient morbidity.
- Retrieval of migrated wires presents considerable technical challenges and potential risks.
Observation:
- This study presents four cases of broken wire migration during hip or pelvic surgery.
- Two cases involved wire migration within the hip joint.
- Two cases involved wire protrusion into the pelvic bone.
Findings:
- The migration of Kirschner or guide wires into the hip joint or pelvis is a rare but significant surgical complication.
- Retrieval of these migrated wires is technically demanding and carries inherent risks.
- The report discusses specific challenges and successful retrieval techniques employed in four distinct cases.
Implications:
- Highlights the importance of careful surgical technique to prevent wire migration.
- Underscores the need for specialized retrieval strategies when migration occurs.
- Informs orthopedic surgeons about potential complications and management options for broken wire retrieval around the hip and pelvis.
