K-Wire Fixation (Kirschner Wire Fixation)
Thin stainless-steel wires passed percutaneously through the skin into fractured bone under X-ray guidance — a quick, minimally invasive technique for hand, wrist, foot, and paediatric fractures.
What is K-Wire Fixation (Kirschner Wire Fixation)?
K-wire (Kirschner wire) fixation is a percutaneous technique in which thin stainless-steel wires (0.8–2.0 mm diameter) are drilled through the skin and into fractured bone fragments under fluoroscopic guidance — holding the reduction without any incision over the fracture site. It is the most commonly used fixation method for metacarpal, phalangeal, and distal radius fractures. K-wire fixation is typically performed as a day-care procedure under local or general anaesthesia. The wires are removed in clinic at 4–6 weeks once adequate bone healing has occurred — a minor procedure under local anaesthesia that requires no return to theatre.
How the Procedure Works
Closed Reduction
The fracture is reduced manually under fluoroscopic guidance — no surgical incision over the fracture.
K-Wire Insertion
One or more wires are drilled percutaneously through the skin and bone in the optimal configuration for fracture stability.
Fluoroscopic Confirmation
Wire position and fracture reduction are confirmed on X-ray in two planes before proceeding.
Wire Bending & Splinting
Exposed wire ends are bent and padded; a cast or splint is applied to protect the fixation.
Clinic Removal
Wires are removed in clinic under local anaesthesia at 4–6 weeks — a quick, painless office procedure.
Outcomes
Who Needs This Treatment?
- →No incision over the fracture — completely closed technique
- →Day-care procedure — in and out the same day
- →No implant left permanently — wires removed in clinic
- →Fast procedure time — particularly for hand and wrist fractures
- →Very low infection risk with correct wire care
- →Cost-effective compared to plate and screw fixation
"K-wire fixation is the workhorse of hand fracture surgery. A quick, precise percutaneous technique that requires no operating theatre for removal — just a clinic visit and local anaesthesia. For the right fracture, it is hard to beat."
— Dr. Satish Reddy Gandavarapu, Senior Orthopaedic & Trauma Surgeon, Lux Hospitals, Hyderabad
Common Questions
Frequently Asked
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