Technical Notes and Tips: Safety First in the Use of ‘K’-Wires

Abstract

Kirshner (‘K’) wires are a useful tool in trauma and orthopaedics. The sharp cut end, however, risks intra-operative glove puncture and needle-stick injury to surgeon and assistant. This is a heightened problem where there is a high HIV seroprevalence. In Kwa-Zulu Natal, South Africa, we have instituted a policy to ‘clip, cut, then condomise’ (Fig. 1) the sharp cut wire end with a section of infant feeding catheter (IFC) appropriate to the diameter of the ‘K’-wire. We have found the following sizes to fit best: 1.2 mm ‘K’-wire, CH 4/5 IFC; 1.4–1.8 mm ‘K’-wire, CH 8 IFC; and 2 mm ‘K’-wire, CH 10 IFC. Figure 1 Sections of 8CH feeding tube fit and protect the sharp cut ends of two 1.8 mm ‘K’-wires during articular reconstruction.