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Freaking out about K wires

4 replies

Newbie8918 · 03/09/2024 07:05

Has anyone ever had K wires fitted in their fingers following a badly broken bone?

For context, I had an accident (some idiot ran into me and knocked me over) and broke a finger on my dominant hand. I didn't realise that it was broken and tried to shake it off/strap it up. 5 days later I had to go to A&E due to the pain. They x rayed, advised that it was dislocated and popped it back into place.

5 days later, I have been called into see a specialist consultant, who after reviewing my case, advised that it was a bad break as well as a dislocation but the 'manipulation boat' had sailed and I'll need surgery. I am due to go away in 3 days on a holiday of a lifetime which would impact the rest of the party if I cancel. I can claim on my Insurance but my DH can't as the rest of the party is still travelling and he can technically still go.
Additionally, there is an added complication as part of the holiday is a private villa rental. Only the deposit is paid meaning if DH and I both dropped out, the remaining party would still need to split the cost which I know would be a significant expense. It's too late to rearrange accommodation for the smaller group and we'd still lose the deposit.

The consultant has agreed to let m travel as the finger is already 'set' and is misaligned and the damage basically done.

Because of this, I will need surgery and wires and a cage fitting on my return. I made the mistake of googling it and freaked out.

I had a panic attack yesterday. The pain, combined with having to make an urgent decision about the trip, time off work when I return and the realisation that my dominant hand will never work the same again, became overwhelming.

I'd love to hear from anyone who has had a similar surgery and can help with what to expect.

OP posts:
Greybeardy · 03/09/2024 07:45

K wires are used very routinely (inc for kids). They’re really nothing to worry about.

Newbie8918 · 03/09/2024 09:02

Greybeardy · 03/09/2024 07:45

K wires are used very routinely (inc for kids). They’re really nothing to worry about.

I'd heard that it was really painful until they're removed. Especially in small bones like fingers and toes. Is that not the case?

OP posts:
carbon60 · 03/09/2024 21:42

Not painful and.painless removal.

Greybeardy · 03/09/2024 21:50

they don't seem to be particularly painful usually. They wouldn't be using them routinely if they were causing severe pain for most people. Surgeon's the best person to speak to though as they'll know what injury you've had and exactly what they're planning to do etc.

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