Definition: A Kirschner wire (also called a K-wire) is a thin, rigid wire that can be used to stabilize bone fragments. These wires can be drilled through the bone to hold the fragments in place. They are placed percutaneously (through the skin), thus avoiding an operation in some cases. In other cases, the K-wires are used after an operation to hold bone fragments in place.
Also Known As: K-Wire
