Kirschner wire

Intraoperative X-Ray of a Humerus fixated by Kirschner wires

Kirschner wires or K-wires or pins are sterilized, sharpened, smooth stainless steel pins. Introduced in 1909 by Martin Kirschner, the wires are now widely used in orthopedics and other types of medical and veterinary surgery. They come in different sizes and are used to hold bone fragments together (pin fixation) or to provide an anchor for skeletal traction. The pins are often driven into the bone through the skin (percutaneous pin fixation) using a power or hand drill. They also form part of the Ilizarov apparatus.

Kirschner Wires used for fixation of a Colles' fracture

Variations

Threaded K-wires are manufactured. They are used in situations where backing out of the pin is undesirable but they are weaker.
"Denham Pins" are strong stout wires with a threaded portion in the middle. They are used for skeletal traction with the threads engaging the bone.

Indications

Complications

References

  1. http://sussexhandsurgery.co.uk/downloads/surgery/hand/K%20wire%20fixation%20of%20hand%20fractures.pdf
  2. Cebesoy O, Subasi M, Arpacioglu O (August 2007). "Finsen V, Hofstad M, Haugan H. A rare complication in scaphoid pseudoarthrosis: intraarticlar migration and breaking of Kirschner wire". Injury 38 (8): 988–9. doi:10.1016/j.injury.2007.04.011. PMID 17631883.
  3. Mitsuo Nakayama, MD, PhD*, Masatoshi Gika, MD, PhD, Hiroki Fukuda, MD, Takeshi Yamahata, MD, Kohei Aoki, MD, Syugo Shiba, MD, Keisuke Eguchi, MD, PhD (2009). "Migration of a Kirschner Wire From the Clavicle Into the Intrathoracic Trachea". Ann Thorac Surg 88 (2): 653–654. doi:10.1016/j.athoracsur.2008.12.093. PMID 19632433.
  4. Robert Mazet Jr. (1943). "Migration of a Kirschner Wire From the Shoulder Region Into the Lung:Report of Two Cases". Journal of Bone and Joint Surgery 25 (2): 477–483. Retrieved 2009-12-15.
  5. Lenard L, Aradi D, Donauer E. (April 2009). "Migrating Kirschner wire in the heart mimics acute coronary syndrome". Eur Heart J 30 (7): 754. doi:10.1093/eurheartj/ehn548. PMID 19066210.

External links

Kirschner Wires vs. Steinmann Pins

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