In Ilizarov ring construction, a transfixion wire with a widened bead at one end (an 'olive' wire) is specifically used to:

• A Reduce the risk of pin tract infection
• B Pull a bone fragment or resist translation of a segment under tensioned load ✓
• C Prevent wire breakage during distraction
• D Allow the frame to be applied without tensioning the wire

Explanation

An olive wire carries a small bead that seats against bone when the wire is tensioned, allowing it to exert a directional pull on a fragment, reduce a displaced piece such as the tibial tubercle or posterior fragment, or block translation of a ring segment relative to another. Standard plain Kirschner wires tensioned between rings provide circumferential grip but cannot apply directed force. Olive wires do not lower infection rates, do not prevent wire fatigue, and are tensioned like any other wire.

Reference: Rockwood and Green's Fractures in Adults, 9th ed.

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Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.