K-wire

Kirschner wire

Kirschner wire used in orthopedic surgery

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A Kirschner wire, commonly referred to as a K-wire, is a thin, rigid wire used in orthopedic surgery and other types of surgical procedures. It is primarily used for the internal fixation of bone fractures and for securing bone fragments during surgical repair.

History

The K-wire was invented by Martin Kirschner, a German surgeon, in the early 20th century. It has since become a staple in orthopedic and trauma surgery due to its versatility and effectiveness.

Uses

K-wires are used in a variety of surgical procedures, including:

• Fracture fixation: K-wires are used to stabilize bone fractures, particularly in small bones such as those in the hand, wrist, and foot.
• Pediatric surgery: Due to their small size, K-wires are often used in pediatric orthopedic surgery to treat fractures in children.
• Temporary fixation: K-wires can be used to temporarily hold bone fragments in place during surgical procedures until more permanent fixation can be achieved.

Procedure

The insertion of a K-wire is typically performed under anesthesia. The wire is inserted through the skin and into the bone using a drill. Once the wire is in place, it can be cut to the desired length. The ends of the wire may be left protruding from the skin for easy removal after the bone has healed.

Advantages

• Versatility: K-wires can be used in a wide range of surgical procedures.
• Minimally invasive: The insertion of K-wires is less invasive compared to other forms of internal fixation.
• Cost-effective: K-wires are relatively inexpensive compared to other surgical implants.

Disadvantages

• Infection risk: The protruding ends of K-wires can increase the risk of infection.
• Limited stability: K-wires may not provide sufficient stability for certain types of fractures.

See also

• Orthopedic implant
• Bone fracture
• Internal fixation

References

• Kirschner, M. (Year). Title of the original work. Publisher.
• Author, A. (Year). Title of the related work. Journal Name, Volume(Issue), pages.

External links

• [Link to a relevant external resource]