Diverging Dual Intramedullary Kirschner Wire Technique for Arthrodesis of the Proximal Interphalangeal Joint in Hammertoe Correction

Abstract

Digital arthrodesis is one of the most common surgical procedures performed by the foot and ankle surgeon. The market offers a variety of devices available to the surgeon to accomplish solid, permanent, and safe fusion for the patient. However, with these new devices come high surgical costs, adding to the burden on the already strapped health care system. We offer a simple technique updating the way in which a Kirschner wire is utilized for interphalangeal digital arthrodesis that employs the benefits of the newer implantable devices at a fraction of the cost. Two Kirschner wires are buried in a slightly diverging pattern to increase rotational stability while adding slight compression across the fusion site. In this article, we explain the technique and present a case example of its implementation.

Levels of Evidence: Therapeutic, Level V: Expert opinion