IntroductionMigration of orthopaedic fixation wires into the thoracic cavity occurs infrequently, but can have dire consequences. Although rare, intrathoracic migration is a serious complication that demands immediate removal.Case presentationWe present a case of a 59-year-old man with an intrathoracic migration of a Steinman wire used for the treatment of a shoulder fracture. Surprisingly, the migration was asymptomatic. The Steinman wire was successfully retrieved from the thorax via thoracotomy.ConclusionThe migration of pins and wires can cause fatal complications and should be considered as very hazardous. Therefore, if wires need to be used, terminally threaded pins are safer and the free end should be bent. The patients should be frequently followed, both clinically and radiographically, until all the wires are removed.

The majority of leiomyosarcomas occur in the muscular layers of the gastrointestinal tract and uterus. Primary leiomyosarcomas rarely arise in the veins of the lower extremities. Primary leiomyosarcoma of the superficial femoral vein is extremely uncommon. We herein present a case of a 69-year-old man with a primary leiomyosarcoma of the superficial femoral vein of his left thigh, which manifested as an anteromedial palpable painless mass in the middle third of his left thigh. Duplex ultrasonography revealed a 4 × 8-cm mass attached to the left superficial femoral vein. The mass was removed surgically en bloc. Histological examination showed a low-grade leiomyosarcoma. Seven months after the resection, a local recurrence of the tumor was observed, and the patient underwent another surgery. Five years after the second operation the patient remains free of illness.