Distraction osteogenesis in the hand with and without K-wire

BACKGROUND: Distraction osteogenesis is an established option for reconstruction of amputated fingers. In contrast to the primary method of distraction osteogenesis, using Kirschner wire (K-wire) as an internal fixator is not common today. This study was conducted to evaluate distraction osteogenesis with and without K-wire. METHODS: This randomized clinical trial was conducted on 16 amputated fingers which were divided into two equal groups. While we used both orthofix M-100 and K-wire in the first group, only orthofix M-100 was implemented in the second group. The results were analyzed by t-test in SPSS11.5. RESULTS: Overall, 16 fingers of 8 male patients whose one or more fingers were cut due to hand trauma were evaluated in two random groups. The mean daily lengthening rates in Groups 1 and 2 were 0.44 ± 0.17 mm and 0.4 ± 0.11 mm, respectively (p = 0.59). The mean time required for 1 cm lengthening was 18.71 ± 4.07 and 23.25 ± 4.56 days in Groups 1 and 2, respectively (p = 0.065). The mean value of overall lengthening was 16.25 ± 8.05 mm in Group 1 and 16.69 ± 4.89 mm in Group 2 (p = 0.89). Moreover, some minor complications occurred in 9 samples. CONCLUSIONS: There was no statistically significant difference between the two groups. However, in the K-wire group, the time needed for 1 cm lengthening was clinically shorter. In addition, fewer complications, such as non-union and length loss, were observed in Group 1