Intrathoracic migration of a K-wire after percutaneous fixation of a proximal humerus fracture

Proximal humerus fractures are common in elderly patients. Not all patient are fit for major surgery. Percutaneous fixation can be a suitable option though surgeons should be aware of the risks and complications. This case is about a 90-year-old woman with a proximal humerus fracture. After closed anatomical reduction we performed percutaneous K-wire fixation of the humerus fracture with a single K-wire. Five days postoperatively the patient experienced increased pain and dyspnea due to a pneumothorax caused by intrathoracic migration of the K-wire. Percutaneous fixation can be a suitable treatment for low-maintenance and fragile patients but surgeons should act with caution. Multiple threaded K-wires with a bend-free end should be used to reduce the risk for loss of repositioning or migration of the K-wire.