Kirschner wire (K-wire):

A wire used to stabilize the structure of a nose during healing. An internal stabilization technique, often used for rib cartilage grafts.

A Kirschner wire, often called a K-wire, is a thin metal wire that can be used to stabilize cartilage grafts during rhinoplasty. In nasal surgery, it is most often associated with rib cartilage grafting. Rib cartilage provides strong support and a large amount of material, but it can have a natural tendency to bend or warp after it is carved.

Placing a K-wire through the center of a rib cartilage graft can help the graft remain straighter while the nose heals. The wire acts as an internal support, similar to a reinforcing rod within the cartilage. This technique may be considered when a long, structural graft is needed for major dorsal reconstruction, revision rhinoplasty, or repair of a nose that has lost significant support.