Hydroxyapatite-Coated Schanz Pins in External Fixators Used for Distraction Osteogenesis

An in Vivo Experimental Comparison of Stainless Steel and Titanium Schanz Screws for External Fixation

“…Hydroxyapatite and calcium phosphate coated external fixation pins have been shown to increase osseointegration and reduce infection [12,24]. However, these coated pins have not become standard clinical implants because they are expensive, rendering coated pins inaccessible in many external fixation scenarios.…”

Materials in Fracture Fixation

“…107 Of the coatings examined for this purpose, hydroxyapatite has been most extensively studied. Hydroxyapatite coatings have consistently been shown to be effective at decreasing rates of pin tract infection 98,108,109 and this may be related to its enhancement of osseointegration. Coating of external fixator pins with silver has also been investigated as a strategy for preventing pin sepsis.…”

The Mechanics of External Fixation

“…HA coated pins have been shown to have significantly increased extraction torque, lower rates of loosening, decreased infection rates, and even a lower incidence of secondary deformity during lengthening [25][26][27][28]. Although both tapered and bicylindrical designs exhibit excellent pin extraction torque and microscopic evidence of direct bonepin contact [29], we prefer 6-mm tapered, HA-coated pins (Fig.…”