# The Role of Kirschner Wires in Foot and Ankle Surgery: A Comprehensive Review and Practical Appraisal of Applications, Benefits, and Challenges

## TL;DR

This paper reviews the use of Kirschner wires in foot and ankle surgery, discussing their benefits and limitations based on recent clinical evidence.

## Contribution

The paper provides a comprehensive and up-to-date appraisal of K-wires in foot and ankle surgery, emphasizing recent clinical findings.

## Key findings

- K-wires are cost-effective and cause minimal soft-tissue disruption in foot and ankle surgery.
- They have lower torsional stability compared to rigid fixation methods.
- Pin-tract infection remains a notable risk with K-wire use.

## 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.