Migration of a Broken Drill Bit After Acetabular Fracture Fixation. A Case Report

Abstract

Breakage of the drill bit is common in orthopaedic procedures, but migration of the broken drill bit is rarely reported. We report a case of migration of a broken drill bit five years after acetabular fracture fixation. The drill bit migrated to the subcutaneous layer of the anterior aspect of the right hip following total hip replacement. We highlight this case as it could be encountered in any orthopaedic procedure, and we support the recommendation to record such incidences in the medical notes and to inform the patient.