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A Prospective Study Comparing the Infection Rate Between Buried vs Exposed Kirschner Wires in Hand and Wrist
Shalimar Abdullah1, Elaine Zi Fan Soh1, Choong Jin Ngiam1
1Hand and Microsurgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, National University of Malaysia, Kuala Lumpur, MYS.
Introduction:
Kirschner wires (K-wires) are used in fracture fixations but are often associated with pin tract infections. This prospective study compared the infection rate between buried and exposed K-wires in closed injuries of the wrist and hands in individuals with no comorbidities.
Methods:
Fifteen patients were recruited with a total of 41 K-wires (21 buried K-wires; 20 exposed K-wires). Clinical and radiographic evidence of infection was assessed at three months based on the Modified Oppenheim classification.
Results:
Two out of 21 wires in the buried group developed grade 4 infection, while 20 wires in the exposed group did not have any significant infection. No significant difference in infection rate based on K-wire size or number in both groups.
Conclusion:
There is no significant difference in infection rate between buried and exposed K-wires in healthy individuals with closed injuries of the wrist and hand.
