Complications of K-wire fixation of fractures and dislocations in the handand wrist

Kirschner wire (K-wire) fixation of fractures and dislocations of the hand and wrist is a common procedure. Of the 590 K-wire fixations performed on 2 36 patients, 36 (15.2%) experienced complications which included osteomyeli tis, tendon rupture, nerve lesion, pin tract infection, pin loosening or mi gration. There were no deep soft-tissue pin infections or pyarthrosis. Tech nical failure, mainly when the procedure was performed by residents, and po or patient compliance were the major causes of complications. K-wire fixati on is a simple but demanding procedure that cannot be left to an inexperien ced resident. Elimination of technical failure, supervision in the operatin g room, close monitoring, prompt treatment upon discovery of a complication , and improvement of patient compliance can reduce the rate of complication s.