Intramedullary migration of an internal fixation device was noted in a 61-year-old woman, 56 years after treatment of a fractured femur. Gross, histologic, and metallurgic findings served to explain the disintegration of the metal plate and screws. The “migration” of the plate and screws is a manifestation of normal bone growth and demonstrates the remarkable potential for internal remodeling of bone.
* Department of Orthopaedics, University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, 236 Burnett-Womack Building, Chapel Hill, NC 27514.
**Orthopaedic Surgeon, Raleigh Orthopaedic Clinic, P.A., P.O. Box 10707, Raleigh, NC 27605.
Reprint requests to James T. Bennett, M.D.
Received: February 9, 1982.
