HAWAII-DRIFT) study – coming December 2025

30 October 2025 (Last updated: 30 Oct 2025 14:39)

 

The Hand And Wrist: Antimicrobials and Infection – burieD vs. exposed K-wiRes In Fracture fixaTion (HAWAII-DRIFT) study – coming December 2025.

We are currently on the lookout for interested hand, orthopaedic, and plastic surgeons to act as Principal Investigators for HAWAII-DRIFT at a minimum of 22 hospitals across the UK. This RCT will be comparing BURIED vs EXPOSED K-wires for hand and wrist fracture fixation in 470 adults (16+).

Our primary objective is to compare the risk of surgical site infection by 90 days post-randomisation between the two groups. We will also be assessing upper extremity function and pain, health-related quality of life, and risk of non-infective complications. Critically, we will also be assessing the costs and comparative cost-effectiveness of buried vs exposed K-wires for both the patient and the NHS.

For a more detailed summary of the study, please see the HAWAII-DRIFT Trial Summary document.

If you are interested in getting involved (whether as a PI or otherwise), or would like some more information, please contact us at Hawaii-drift@ndorms.ox.ac.uk.

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