A quick, effective and inexpensive method for covering K-wire ends

Abstract

When using K-wires for fixation of hand fractures, it is imperative to dress the sharp cut edges to prevent inadvertent patient injury. The techniques described currently are either cumbersome or employ materials not easily accessible in the theatre environment. 1 We describe a technique using readily available winged infusion sets (‘butterfly needles’). Cut the tubing off the needle, feed the cut end of the tubing over the exposed wires and cut, leaving a few millimetres free (Fig 1). We employ this technique when using 1.0–1.4mm K-wires and find it particularly useful when applying dynamic external fixators to the digits. Figure 1 Technique for covering K-wire ends: Cut the ‘butterfly needle’ from the tubing (A); thread the tubing over the cut end of the K-wire (B); cut the tubing, leaving a few millimetres free (C); and repeat for other wire ends (D)