Unburied K-wire induced injuries: taking the edge off

Unburied K-wires left projecting from the fingers after hand surgery can lead to inadvertent injuries if left open, especially in children or disoriented patients, particularly at the time of reversal of anesthesia and in the immediate postoperative period. Different ways have been described to circumvent this. Many surgeons twist the K-wire on itself along with capping of the wire tip, but this requires considerable twisting force on an already inserted K-wire, which can lead to malalignment or even refracture.[1] Furthermore, the bent K-wire acts like a hook, catching onto dressing materials or clothes and subsequently may migrate out.