RT Journal
A1 Ryan, Scott P.
A1 Puskas, Brian L.
A1 Ebright, Michael I.
A1 Foster, Timothy E.
T1 Intrathoracic Migration of Large-Fragment Screws After Failed Shoulder ArthrodesisA Case Report
JF The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
JO The Journal of Bone & Joint Surgery
YR 2011
FD April 6
VO 93
IS 7
SP e26 1
OP 6
DO 10.2106/JBJS.J.00320
UL http://dx.doi.org/10.2106/JBJS.J.00320
AB 
Orthopaedic implants used during upper-extremity surgery have been discovered in many locations. Kirschner wires and Steinmann pins have migrated into the thorax or mediastinum from local sites1-5 and from distant sites such as the phalanx6, patella7, and hip8. Although there are well-documented case reports on the migration of smooth and threaded Kirschner wires and Steinmann pins from the sternoclavicular and acromioclavicular joints into the thorax, the migration of large-fragment screws from the shoulder into the thorax has not been reported, to our knowledge. Screws are less likely to migrate because of their larger size and irregular shape. We present a case of intrathoracic migration of large-fragment screws after a failed shoulder arthrodesis. In accordance with the medical center institutional review board policy, the patient was informed about, and consented to, case publication.