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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can K Wires And Cast On Metacarpal Be Removed Without The Assistance Of Doctor?

Hi, I had surgery on my fourth metacarpal about six and a half weeks ago. I had two k wire pins and a hard cast put on. I was wondering if it was safe for me to take the cast off myself, it is peeling, as well as taking out the k wires myself. My hand seems to be healed, its been half a week since the most amount of time I was told Id have it on. My surgeon said I could do it myself, if i remember correctly, but I just wanted to double check and ask about any potential risks.
Mon, 26 Oct 2015
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General & Family Physician,  's  Response
Hi.

There are no potential risks, but did your surgeon speak about you taking the cast off or even the K wire? I would not really recommend my patients to do such procedures at home as things can go wrong.

The first thing you need to understand here is that the K wires are holding the broken (may have fused by now of course) bones together and so you will feel the stability as soon as the K wires are inserted, so saying things like you are healed may not be apt. Coming to my question, did your doctor go aboutna follow-up xray to confirm the healing? This is protocol, and should be done.

If he has, then you can go ahead and remove the cast and the K wires but with your doctor holding responsibility for anything that goes wrong. Make sure you pull the wires out in one direction, fixating you extremity from the other end.

Best wishes.
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Can K Wires And Cast On Metacarpal Be Removed Without The Assistance Of Doctor?

Hi. There are no potential risks, but did your surgeon speak about you taking the cast off or even the K wire? I would not really recommend my patients to do such procedures at home as things can go wrong. The first thing you need to understand here is that the K wires are holding the broken (may have fused by now of course) bones together and so you will feel the stability as soon as the K wires are inserted, so saying things like you are healed may not be apt. Coming to my question, did your doctor go aboutna follow-up xray to confirm the healing? This is protocol, and should be done. If he has, then you can go ahead and remove the cast and the K wires but with your doctor holding responsibility for anything that goes wrong. Make sure you pull the wires out in one direction, fixating you extremity from the other end. Best wishes.