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The Role of Kirschner Wires in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Comprehensive Review and Practical Appraisal of
Alberto Arceri1,2, Antonio Mazzotti1,2, Simone Ottavio Zielli1
11st Orthopaedics and Traumatologic Clinic, IRCCS Istituto Ortopedico Rizzoli, 40136 Bologna, Italy.
Abstract:
Kirschner wires (K-wires) have remained an integral part of orthopedic surgery for decades, particularly in the management of foot and ankle pathologies. This review examines the role of K-wires by analyzing the applications in fracture fixation and deformity correction, highlighting advantages such as cost-effectiveness and minimal soft-tissue disruption, while acknowledging limitations including lower torsional stability compared with rigid fixation and the risk of pin-tract infection. The purpose was to provide a comprehensive perspective on the clinical applications, advantages, and limitations of K-wires in contemporary surgical practice, with a focus on the most recent evidence from clinical studies.

