Functional Outcome by Evaluation of DASH Score Post K-wire Removal on Upper Extremity: A Descriptive Study

Introduction: K-wire is a very simple and economical implant but an indispensable one for any orthopaedic surgery. Complications associated with the K-wiring procedure vary from minor to life-threatening. Methods: Disability of the Arm, Shoulder, and Hand score (DASH) calculations have been carried out on patients who underwent ORIF or Closed reduction K-Wire insertion surgery on the upper extremity at Dr. Saiful Anwar Malang General Hospital in 2022-2024. Results: In the DASH score post removal of K-wire on the upper extremity in 22 patients, it was found that 14 patients had a minimal disability, 7 had moderate ability, and 1 patient had severe disability. The patients who have minimal disability, on average, undergo K-wire removal surgery in around 4-8 weeks. Discussion: Complications associated with the K-wiring procedure vary from minor to life-threatening. Previous studies described fatal complications following the distant migration of a K-wire to vital structures. A previous study showed that open reduction and internal fixation with a Volar locking plate provided statistically lower DASH scores of patients, reduced incidence of total postoperative complications, and specifically lowered the rate of superficial infection when compared over a 1-year follow-up to percutaneous K-wire fixation. Conclusion: Complications are part of operative procedures, and it is important to determine what causes them to take preventative measures. Keywords: bone wires, DASH score, patient outcome assessment, upper extremity