Kirschner wire
Kirschner Wire
Kirschner wire (pronunciation: /ˈkɪrʃnər/), often abbreviated as K-wire, is a type of orthopedic wire used in the fixation of bone fractures and other orthopedic surgeries.
Etymology
The Kirschner wire is named after the German surgeon, Martin Kirschner, who introduced the wire in 1909 as a means to pin together fractured bones.
Description
Kirschner wires are thin, straight, stainless steel pins that are pointed at one end. They are used in a variety of orthopedic surgeries to hold bone fragments together, to provide a framework for other surgical hardware, or to guide the placement of screws or plates. They can be used alone or in combination with other types of fixation devices.
Usage
Kirschner wires are used in a variety of orthopedic procedures, including:
- Fracture reduction: K-wires can be used to hold bone fragments in place while a fracture heals.
- Joint arthrodesis: K-wires can be used to fuse together the bones in a joint, a procedure known as arthrodesis.
- Osteotomy: K-wires can be used to guide the placement of screws or plates during an osteotomy, a surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping a bone.
- External fixation: K-wires can be used as part of an external fixation device, a type of splint that holds the bones in place from outside the body.
Related Terms
- Orthopedic surgery: The branch of surgery concerned with conditions involving the musculoskeletal system.
- Bone fracture: A medical condition in which there is a partial or complete break in the continuity of the bone.
- Fracture reduction: The process of aligning and securing a broken bone.
- Joint arthrodesis: A surgical procedure that involves the fusion of bones in a joint.
- Osteotomy: A surgical procedure that involves cutting and reshaping a bone.
- External fixation: A surgical treatment used to stabilize bone and soft tissues at a distance from the operative or injury focus.
External links
- Medical encyclopedia article on Kirschner wire
- Wikipedia's article - Kirschner wire
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