Forgotten Kirschner wire passing across the sigmoid colon.

Area of Science:

• Orthopedic Surgery
• Gastrointestinal Complications

Background:

• Kirschner wires (K-wires) are utilized in treating hip fractures.
• Pelvic migration of K-wires is an exceptionally rare complication.

Observation:

• A case is presented where a previously unrecognized K-wire traversed the sigmoid colon.
• The K-wire was incidentally discovered during a screening colonoscopy in an asymptomatic patient.
• The patient had a history of orthopedic surgery.

Findings:

• Surgical intervention was necessary for K-wire removal.
• The migrated K-wire caused injury to the sigmoid colon.

Implications:

• This case underscores the importance of considering K-wire migration in the differential diagnosis for patients with a history of orthopedic procedures.
• Awareness of this rare complication is crucial for timely diagnosis and management.