Poster Presentation ANZTS Trauma 2024 Conference

Migrated K-wire in the urinary bladder causing no symptoms  (21721)

Anup Kumar 1 , Anurag Kumar 1 , Anil Kumar 1
  1. AIIMS , Patna, BIHAR, India

Kirschner wires (K-wires) are commonly used implants in the treatment of bony fracture, especially small, fragile fragments. The migration of K-wire has been reported in the literature, but such migration into the urinary bladder is extremely rare.

The aim of reporting this case was to spread the awareness about mandatory follow-up after K-wire placement, its migration, and the recommendation to remove it at earliest. As per the best of our knowledge, this is the first and unique case of K-wire migration into the urinary bladder, detected on follow-up radiograph without symptoms.

We report a case of an asymptomatic patient with a migrated K-wire in the urinary bladder, who came to our follow-up clinic after treatment of acetabulum fracture. The patient was absolutely fine but follow-up image showed K-wire in the urinary bladder. In view to prevent further migration and injuries, the laparotomy was planned and wire has been removed under the image intensifier guidance. Postoperative period was uneventful and patient recovered well with no complains in subsequent follow-ups.

Bending the end of the K-wires after insertion,the restriction of joint movement, and removal of K-wires at earliest are the key points in a patient with K-wire insertion. The mandatory follow-up in cases of K-wire placement for treatment of bone fractures, and early diagnosis and removal is necessary to prevent potentially fatal complications.