Nitinol, Stainless Steel, and Titanium Kirschner Wire Durability

2020 ◽  
pp. 193864002091467
Author(s):  
James R. Jastifer ◽  
Peter A. Gustafson ◽  
Luis F. Silva ◽  
Sarah Noffsinger ◽  
Michael J. Coughlin
Keyword(s):  
Stainless Steel ◽  
Applied Stress ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Cyclic Durability ◽  
Mechanical Study ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires ◽  
Number Of Cycles ◽  
Strength And Durability

Kirschner wires (K wires) are a common fixation device in foot and ankle surgery, particularly in lesser-toe fixation. Fatigue failure is a known complication of this fixation. The material properties of the K wire are a factor in the strength and durability of the wire. The purpose of this study is to compare the durability of K wires made of stainless steel, titanium, and Nitinol. Ten samples each of stainless steel, titanium. and Nitinol underwent cyclic durability testing using a rotating beam approach, and S-N curves (applied stress vs the number of cycles to failure) were generated. The results demonstrate that, generally, Nitinol K wires have a shorter life for the same applied stress than the stainless steel or titanium wires. Titanium had a longer life at low stresses compared with stainless steel, and stainless steel had a longer life at higher stresses. This study provides comparative durability data for K wires made of different metals, which have not been previously reported. Although there was a statistically significant difference in durability for wires used in K wire fixation, all 3 metal types are reasonable choices for temporary K wire fixation. Levels of Evidence: Level 5: Mechanical study

scholarly journals Comparison of clinical and radiological results of fixation methods with retrograde intramedullary Kirschner wire and plate-screw in extra-articular metacarpal fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 32 (2) ◽  
pp. 397-405
Author(s):  
Mehmet Baydar ◽  
Abdurrahman Aydın ◽  
Ayşe Şencan ◽  
Osman Orman ◽  
Serkan Aykut ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Grip Strength ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Operation Time ◽  
Wound Complications ◽  
Radiographic Outcomes ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires ◽  
Surgery Duration

Objectives: In this study, we aimed to compare clinical and radiographic outcomes of retrograde intramedullary Kirschner-wire (K-wire) fixation with those of plate-screw (PS) fixation. Patients and methods: A total of 98 metacarpal shaft fractures in 75 patients (65 males, 10 females; mean age: 31.2±10.9 years; range, 16 to 65 years) were included between January 2011 and December 2017. The total joint active range of motion (AROM) and grip strength of the healthy and broken hands were evaluated. The Visual Analog Scale (VAS) and Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand (QuickDASH) scores were recorded. We compared surgery duration, number of fluoroscopy images, and cost-effectiveness for each technique. Results: The overall mean follow-up was 21.9 (range, 12 to 56) months. At the last follow-up, total joint AROM (p=0.072), VAS score (p=0.298), QuickDASH score (p=0.132), and hand grip strength (p=0.947) were similar between the groups. Radiological union occurred in the PS and K-wire groups in a mean of 5.84 (range, 3 to 8) and 4.46 (range, 3 to 20) weeks, respectively (p=0.173). A significant difference was found in surgery duration (p=0.021) and number of fluoroscopy images (p<0.05) between the PS and K-wire groups. Two wound complications were observed in the PS group and one with K-wires. Conclusion: Retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation has certain advantages such as being less invasive and more accessible with shorter operation time, compared to PS fixation. Similar radiological and clinical scores can be obtained in patients undergoing retrograde intramedullary K-wire fixation or PS fixation.

Kirschner wire fixation for scaphoid fractures: an experimental study in synthetic bones

2011 ◽  
Vol 36 (4) ◽  
pp. 325-328 ◽  
Author(s):  
V. Gokce ◽  
H. Oflaz ◽  
A. Dulgeroglu ◽  
A. Bora ◽  
I. Gunal
Keyword(s):  
Experimental Study ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Fracture Pattern ◽  
Biomechanical Stability ◽  
Scaphoid Fractures ◽  
Fracture Patterns ◽  
Kirschner Wire Fixation ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires

We have studied the biomechanical stability in vitro of three different Kirschner (K) wire configurations in three types of simulated scaphoid waist fractures. The fractures were created with a saw in Sawbones models. There were three fracture patterns: perpendicular to the long axis of the scaphoid model; and 30° and 20° oblique to that. Two 1.2 mm. K-wires were used in each scaphoid. The three configurations were: parallel; 20° oblique; and crossing. The oblique or crossing configurations of K-wires were the most stable depending on the fracture pattern.

scholarly journals Kirschner Wire Breakage during Removal Requiring Retrieval

2016 ◽  
Vol 2016 ◽  
pp. 1-3 ◽  
Author(s):  
Kai Yuen Wong ◽  
Rosalind Mole ◽  
Patrick Gillespie
Keyword(s):  
Hand Function ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Cost Effective ◽  
Middle Finger ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Simple Method ◽  
Wire Breakage ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Pin Site ◽  
K Wires

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.

Lateral condylar fractures of the humerus in children

2018 ◽  
Vol 100-B (3) ◽  
pp. 387-395 ◽  
Author(s):  
R. Ganeshalingam ◽  
A. Donnan ◽  
O. Evans ◽  
M. Hoq ◽  
M. Camp ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Surgical Treatment ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Lateral Condyle ◽  
Fractures In Children ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Long Term Follow Up ◽  
Carrying Angle ◽  
K Wires ◽  
Condylar Fractures

Aims Displaced fractures of the lateral condyle of the humerus are frequently managed surgically with the aim of avoiding nonunion, malunion, disturbances of growth and later arthritis. The ideal method of fixation is however not known, and treatment varies between surgeons and hospitals. The aim of this study was to compare the outcome of two well-established forms of surgical treatment, Kirschner wire (K-wire) and screw fixation. Patients and Methods A retrospective cohort study of children who underwent surgical treatment for a fracture of the lateral condyle of the humerus between January 2005 and December 2014 at two centres was undertaken. Pre, intraoperative and postoperative characteristics were evaluated. A total of 336 children were included in the study. Their mean age at the time of injury was 5.8 years (0 to 15) with a male:female patient ratio of 3:2. A total of 243 (72%) had a Milch II fracture and the fracture was displaced by > 2 mm in 228 (68%). In all, 235 patients underwent K-wire fixation and 101 had screw fixation. Results There was a higher rate of nonunion with K-wire fixation (p = 0.02). There was no difference in Baumann’s angle, carrying angle or the rate of major complications between the two groups. No benefit was obtained by immobilizing the elbow for more than four weeks in either group. No short-term complications were seen when fixation crossed the lateral ossific nucleus. Conclusions Fixation of lateral condylar humeral fractures in children using either K-wires or screws gives satisfactory results. Proponents of both techniques may find justification of their methods in our data, but prospective, randomized trials with long-term follow-up are required to confirm the findings, which suggest a higher rate of nonunion with K-wire fixation. Cite this article: Bone Joint J 2018;100-B:387–95.

scholarly journals Retrospective analysis of Intramedullary K-Wire fixation of Metacarpal Fractures

2021 ◽  
Vol 7 (2) ◽  
pp. 22-27
Author(s):  
Dr. Sunil Kumar Kirar ◽  
◽  
Dr. Sanjay Upadhyay ◽  
Dr. Sanat Singh ◽  
Dr. Atul Varshney ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Functional Results ◽  
Clinical Results ◽  
Metacarpal Fractures ◽  
Kirschner Wire Fixation ◽  
Metacarpal Bones ◽  
Flexion Extension ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires

Introduction: The majority of fractures of the metacarpal bones occur at a young age.Most of thetimes these metacarpal fractures can be treated conservatively in a POP slab(cock up slab)producing good functional results.Surgery was indicated in patients with palmar dislocation of >30°and shortening of >5 mm.Our study aimed to evaluate the clinical results of all metacarpal fracturestreated surgically by intramedullary Kirschner-wire fixation presented in our hospital.Materials andMethods: It was a retrospective study in which we included 50 patients with metacarpalfractures(both open andclosed) that came in our hospital, treated surgically by closed reduction andwere fixed with two intramedullary k-wires. Result: K-wires were removed after 4 weekspostoperatively,under local anaesthesia in the OPD. Metacarpal joint functions (flexion, extension,rotation) were clinically followed up in all patients, on the median periodof6 months (3 months to 9months). In our study, we found in all patients,flexion and extension were normal on bothsides.Conclusion: Closed reduction and intramedullary k-wire fixation of metacarpal bone fracturesproduce good functional results in the longterm. We found a very low rate of complication and thusrecommendthis surgical method for the stabilization of all these types of fractures.

scholarly journals Study of Supracondylar Fracture of Distal Humerus in Children and Its Management with Lateral K-Wire Fixation

2014 ◽  
Vol 3 (1) ◽  
pp. 38-43
Author(s):  
K Sapkota ◽  
B Shrestha
Keyword(s):  
Excellent Result ◽  
Distal Humerus ◽  
Supracondylar Fracture ◽  
P Value ◽  
Lateral Column ◽  
Fractures In Children ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Carrying Angle ◽  
K Wires

Background: Supracondylar fracture is one of the common fractures in children. There are different methods of treatment. This study was undertaken to evaluate the results of lateral k wire fixation for the displaced supracondylar fracture of distal humerus in children. Methods: There were 32 children with displaced Supracondylar fracture, treated with closed reduction and percutaneous lateral K-wires fixation. Clinical and radiological assessments were done and outcomes were assessed on basis of Flynn criteria and data were analyzed in SPSS 16. P value <0.05 was considered significant. Result: The mean age of patients was 6.41 ± 2.37 with boys predominant. There were excellent result of 24(75%) good result 5(15%) regarding carrying angle and regarding range of motion 25 (78%) excellent and4(12%) good result. There were more than 90% patients with excellent to good result. Comparing the Baumann’s angle intra-operatively and at the final follow up, there was no statistically significant difference with P value > 0.05. Conclusion: Lateral pinning with 2 and if necessary 3 k wires for proper stabilization and idea configuration of divergent to hold medial and lateral column is the ideal treatment of supracondylar fracture without risk of iatrogenic nerve injury. Nepal Journal of Medical Sciences | Volume 03 | Number 01 | January-June 2014 | Page 38-43 DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.3126/njms.v3i1.10356

The Thermal Effects of Kirschner Wire Fixation on Small Bones

1999 ◽  
Vol 24 (3) ◽  
pp. 355-357 ◽  
Author(s):  
A. KHANNA ◽  
S. J. PLESSAS ◽  
P. BARRETT ◽  
L. C. BAINBRIDGE
Keyword(s):  
Lower Limb ◽  
Thermal Effects ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Point Configurations ◽  
Metatarsal Bones ◽  
Kirschner Wire Fixation ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Different Types ◽  
Small Bones ◽  
K Wires

The aim of this study was to assess bone heating caused by the passage of fine (<2 mm) K-wires of different types. Stainless steel K-wires of trocar and diamond point configurations (0.8–2.0 mm) were drilled into the metatarsal bones from a freshly amputated lower limb at a constant force. Temperature measurements were made by miniature thermocouples inserted into the bones, at 3 second intervals over a period of 3 minutes while each K-wire was drilled three times. The temperature reached varied with the tip configurations and the diameter of the K-wires. Regardless of point configuration, thinner wires generated more heat than thicker ones.

Threaded Intramedullary Nails Are Biomechanically Superior to Crossed K-wires for Metacarpal Neck Fractures

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110031
Author(s):  
Midhat Patel ◽  
Paulo Castañeda ◽  
David H. Campbell ◽  
Jill G. Putnam ◽  
Michael D. McKee
Keyword(s):  
Intramedullary Nail ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Ring Finger ◽  
Displacement Curve ◽  
Sharp Change ◽  
Metacarpal Fractures ◽  
Biomechanical Models ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Point Bend ◽  
K Wires

Background Intramedullary nail (IMN) fixation of metacarpal fractures is an alternative to Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation. The goal of this study was to compare the biomechanical properties of K-wire fixation with a threaded IMN (InNate; ExsoMed, Aliso Viejo, California). Methods The study design was based on previously described biomechanical models for evaluating metacarpal fractures. Sixteen fresh frozen small finger–matched and ring finger–matched pairs were randomized to either IMN or 0.045 in K-wire fixation after receiving a standardized neck osteotomy. Proper implant placement was confirmed with plain radiographs. Specimens then underwent loading in a 3-point bend configuration. Load to failure (LTF), stiffness, and fracture displacement were recorded. Mechanical failure was defined by a sharp change in the load-displacement curve. Results Age, sex, sidedness (left or right), and digit (ring or small finger) were evenly distributed between groups. The IMN had a significantly higher LTF than K-wires (546 N vs 154 N, P < .001). The K-wire fixation demonstrated plastic deformation between 75 and 150 N. Intramedullary nail stiffness was higher than that of K-wires (155.89 N/mm vs 59.28 N/mm, P < .001). Conclusions When surgical fixation is indicated for metacarpal neck and shaft fractures, the threaded IMN is biomechanically superior to crossed K-wires with the application of 3-point bend.

Cost Comparison of Kirschner Wire Versus Intramedullary Screw Fixation of Metacarpal and Phalangeal Fractures

Hand ◽  
2021 ◽  
pp. 155894472110306
Author(s):  
Christopher F. Brewer ◽  
Quillian Young-Sing ◽  
Adam Sierakowski
Keyword(s):  
Health Care ◽  
Screw Fixation ◽  
Kirschner Wire ◽  
Complication Rates ◽  
Hand Fractures ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
Phalangeal Fractures ◽  
Intramedullary Screw

Background Intramedullary screw fixation is a relatively new technique for fixation of metacarpal and phalangeal fractures. The objective of this study was to compare health care–associated costs and outcomes for intramedullary screw versus Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation of hand fractures. Methods A retrospective review of patients undergoing intramedullary screw fixation of hand fractures at a single center during 2016-2019 inclusive was conducted. Health care–associated costs were compared with age-matched and fracture pattern–matched controls who underwent K-wire fixation. Results Fifty patients met the study inclusion criteria, incorporating 62 fractures (29 K-wire, 33 intramedullary screw fixation). The median age was 34.6 years (18.0-90.1 years). There was no significant difference in primary operative costs (£1130.4 ± £162.7 for K-wire vs £1087.0 ± £104.2 for intramedullary screw), outpatient follow-up costs (£958.7 ± £149.4 for K-wire vs £782.4 ± £143.8 for intramedullary screw), or total health care–associated costs (£2089.1 ± £209.0 for K-wire vs £1869.4 ± £195.3 for intramedullary screw). However, follow-up costs were significantly lower for the uncomplicated intramedullary screw cohort (£847.1 ± £109.1 for K-wire vs £657.5 ± £130.8 for intramedullary screw, P = .05). Subgroup analysis also revealed that overall costs were significantly higher for buried K-wire techniques. Complication rates, time to return to active work, and Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand scores were similar. Conclusions This study identified significantly lower outpatient follow-up costs for uncomplicated intramedullary screw fixation of hand fractures compared with K-wires, along with a trend toward lower overall health care–associated costs. In addition, buried K-wire techniques were also found to carry a significantly higher financial burden. Higher powered prospective studies are required to determine indirect costs.

Infection after buried or exposed K-wire fixation of distal radial fractures: a randomized clinical trial

2020 ◽  
pp. 175319342093654
Author(s):  
João Alberto R. Maradei-Pereira ◽  
Amanda P. dos Santos ◽  
Juliana R. Martins ◽  
Marcia R. Maradei-Pereira
Keyword(s):  
Clinical Trial ◽  
Fracture Healing ◽  
Postoperative Care ◽  
Closed Reduction ◽  
Exposed Group ◽  
Distal Radial Fractures ◽  
Level Of Evidence ◽  
Significant Difference ◽  
Wire Fixation ◽  
K Wires

We treated 220 extra-articular distal radial fractures with closed reduction and percutaneous K-wire fixation and randomized K-wire placement to buried or exposed. We analysed the incidence and severity of infection and the mobility of the metacarpophalangeal joints. At 6 weeks postoperatively, 12 patients in the exposed group had infections versus two in the buried group, which was a statistically significant difference. Mobility was statistically but not clinically better in the buried group. One patient in each group had wires removed before fracture healing due to infection, which resulted in malunion. From this study we conclude that, in the treatment of distal radial fractures, it is better to bury the K-wires under the skin, especially when geographical conditions make it difficult to control the patients’ adherence to hygiene and postoperative care despite the higher costs incurred with removal of buried K-wires. Level of evidence: II

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