Buried Kirschner wire fixation of the Austin osteotomy-bunionectomy: a preliminary report.
Austin bunionectomies were fixated with buried 0.062-inch Kirschner wire. The wires were surgically removed in 7 to 10 weeks, when radiographic union was demonstrated. This approach allows confident early range-of-motion exercises and return to normal footwear. Intermetatarsal angles were reduced 6 to 12 degrees without displacement. The advantages and disadvantages of this technique are discussed.
D001864:Bone Wires; D006215:Hallux Valgus / Q000601:surgery*; D006801:Humans; D008684:Metatarsus / Q000601:surgery*; D009984:Orthopedic Fixation Devices; D010027:Osteotomy