What is the primary use of a wire driver in veterinary practice?

A wire driver is primarily used in veterinary practice for the application and insertion of K-wires, which are thin, stiff wires used for stabilizing fractures, particularly in the bones of animals. When dealing with fractures, K-wires are often inserted into the bone to provide support during healing, and the wire driver is a tool that helps in precisely delivering these wires into the desired position.

The wire driver allows for controlled placement and tensioning of the K-wires, ensuring that they are secure and effective in maintaining the alignment of the fractured bones. This precision is crucial in veterinary surgical procedures to enhance healing outcomes and ensure the stability of the skeletal structure.

The other functions listed, such as suturing skin or applying external fixation, involve different tools. Suturing skin utilizes needle holders and scissors rather than a wire driver. External fixation, while involving the use of K-wires, requires additional components such as clamps and bars, which are not the primary function of a wire driver. Bone drilling would involve drills specifically designed for creating holes in bone and is not the main purpose of a wire driver. Thus, the association of the wire driver specifically with K-wires reflects its primary and intended use in surgical settings.