K-Wire Breakage During Metalware Removal Due to a Defective K-Wire Shaft

Hong, Seong Jae; Lee, Hyun Jic; Kim, Jin Young; Eo, SuRak; Cho, Sang Hun

doi:10.5999/aps.2013.40.5.655

Cited by 6 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 5 publications

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“…Hong et al reported breakage of K-wire in a young male during removal. The complication was pin-related rather than fracture fixation-related, which arose due to defective manufacturing of K-wire [ 6 ]. Similarly, Wong et al reported breakage of a K-wire in the middle phalanx while removing it from a metacarpal shaft fracture in an adult male.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intraoperative Kirschner Wire Breakage in a Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

Ardawatia¹,

Waghela²,

Ranade³

2021

Cureus

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A displaced supracondylar humerus in a child is usually treated with closed reduction and percutaneous Kirschner (K)-wire fixation. The procedure is straightforward and usually yields excellent outcomes. In general, intraoperative complications are uncommon and intraoperative complications related to K-wires are exceedingly rare. We present the case of intraoperative K-wire breakage while performing closed reduction and K-wire fixation for a pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture. This unusual complication occurred while drilling through the medial cortex and the broken end of the K-wire disappeared under the skin in the cartilaginous distal humerus. The broken wire was removed by making an incision over the broken end. This report serves as a reminder to follow principles of drilling and avoid K-wire-related complications while performing percutaneous fixation of the pediatric supracondylar humerus fracture.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Intraoperative Kirschner Wire Breakage in a Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

Ardawatia¹,

Waghela²,

Ranade³

2021

Cureus

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“…K-wire is a fixation material familiar to hand surgeons, and has the advantage of assisting reduction by being inserted into the fracture segment and controlled like a joystick. However, if the wire is not sufficiently rigid, it may not be able to firmly hold the fracture area, leading to complications such as pin site infection or pin breakage [ 22 ].…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 99%

The Efficacy of Transverse Fixation and Early Exercise in the Treatment of Fourth Metacarpal Bone Fractures

et al. 2016

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BackgroundSeveral techniques have been designed to treat fifth metacarpal fractures reported to be effective. However, these methods cannot be easily applied to the fourth metacarpal due to its central anatomical position. In this study, we sought to analyze the functional outcomes of patients who underwent transverse pinning for a fourth metacarpal bone fracture.MethodsA total of 21 patients were selected and their charts were retrospectively reviewed. After fracture reduction, two transverse Kirchner wires were first inserted from the fifth metacarpal to the third metacarpal transversely at the distal part of the fractured bone, and then another two wires were inserted at the proximal part of the fractured bone. The splint was removed approximately one week postoperatively and the Kirchner wires were removed four to five weeks postoperatively. Patients started active and passive exercise one week after the operation. Pain visual analog scores, total active and passive motion, and the active and passive range of motion of the metacarpophalangeal joint and grip strength were evaluated.ResultsDorsal angulation improved from a preoperative value of 44.2° to a postoperative value of 5.9°. Six weeks after surgery, functional recovery parameters, such as range of motion and grip strength, had improved to 98% of the function of the normal side. No major complication was observed.ConclusionsWe suggest that the transverse pinning of fourth metacarpal bone fractures is an effective treatment option that is less invasive than other procedures, easy to perform, requires no secondary surgery, minimizes joint and soft tissue injury, and allows early mobilization.

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“…Complications have been reported in up to 18% of such cases including infection, pin loosening, loss of reduction, and pin migration [1, 2]. K-wire breakage during removal is rare with one reported case in the literature [3]. We present a case of a retained broken K-wire, which required retrieval due to infection.…”

Section: Introductionmentioning

confidence: 99%

Kirschner Wire Breakage during Removal Requiring Retrieval

Wong

Mole

Gillespie

2016

Case Reports in Surgery

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Kirschner wires (K-wires) are widely used for fixation of fractures and dislocations in the hand as they are readily available, reliable, and cost-effective. Complication rates of up to 18% have been reported. However, K-wire breakage during removal is rare. We present one such case illustrating a simple technique for retrieval. A 35-year-old male presented with a distal phalanx fracture of his right middle finger. This open fracture was treated with K-wire fixation. Postoperatively, he developed a pin site infection with associated finger swelling. The K-wire broke during removal with the proximal piece completely retained in his middle phalanx. To minimise risk of osteomyelitis, the K-wire was removed with a novel surgical technique. He had full return of hand function. Intraoperative K-wire breakage has a reported rate of 0.1%. In our case, there was no obvious cause of breakage and the patient denied postoperative trauma. On the other hand, pin site infections are much more common with reported rates of up to 7% in the hand or wrist. K-wire fixation is a simple method for bony stabilisation but can be a demanding procedure with complications often overlooked. It is important to be aware of the potential sequelae.

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K-Wire Breakage During Metalware Removal Due to a Defective K-Wire Shaft

Cited by 6 publications

References 5 publications

Intraoperative Kirschner Wire Breakage in a Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

Intraoperative Kirschner Wire Breakage in a Pediatric Supracondylar Humerus Fracture

The Efficacy of Transverse Fixation and Early Exercise in the Treatment of Fourth Metacarpal Bone Fractures

Kirschner Wire Breakage during Removal Requiring Retrieval

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