Intramedullary migration of a bone plate and screws. A case report.

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.