• Reference Number: HEY672/2025
• Departments: Orthopaedics
• Last Updated: 31 August 2025

Introduction

This information has been produced to give general information and advice to patients (or their parents / carers) who are having K-wires removed. Most of your questions should be answered by this leaflet.  It is not intended to replace the discussion between you and your doctor.  If after reading it you have any concerns or require further explanation, please discuss this with a member of the healthcare team caring for you.

What are K-wires?

K-wires are surgical wires that are used to hold bones in a corrected position following surgery.  The K-wires stick out of the skin so that they can be easily removed once the bone has healed.  They are covered with a dressing and a plaster cast and you / the patient will not be able to see them; alternatively they may be exposed out of the toe/finger.  The K-wires can usually be removed in the Outpatient Department.

How to prepare for K-wire removal

Prior to your clinic appointment we recommend you / the patient takes some simple pain relief (e.g. paracetamol).

Etonox (gas and air) may be used for pain relief in the Outpatient Department. The nurse will explain how to use this.

The plaster cast will be removed in the plaster room. This does not hurt but a noisy machine may be used and you / the patient may feel vibration from the plaster cutter.  Alternatively, if the cast is a backslab or a dressing, scissors will be used.

Removal of the K-wires

The dressings around the K-wires will be removed and skin around the K-wires cleaned before the K-wires are removed using special pliers. This procedure is quick and may feel strange but is not usually too uncomfortable.

The small wounds may bleed a little and dressings will be applied. You / the patient will be advised how long these dressings should stay on, or if you need further dressings.  The injured bone should be healing and the discomfort from the K-wire removal should settle within a few hours.

We recommend you / the patient continues with simple pain relief as required.

Possible problems

Sometimes it is not possible to remove K-wires in the Outpatient Department.  If this is the case, a date will be arranged for you / the patient to come into hospital (Day Surgery Unit) for the K-wires to be removed under a general anaesthetic.

Aftercare

A further plaster cast may be applied for a few more weeks and an outpatient appointment made for the plaster cast to be removed.  At this appointment, you / the patient will be shown exercises to get movement and strength back.

Some adult patients may require some physiotherapy after the removal of K-wires.

Children should not play contact sports for 4 – 6 weeks after removal of the cast.

Should you require further advice on the issues contained in this leaflet, please do not hesitate to contact the Fracture Clinic on tel: 01482  674378 / tel: 01482 675731.