Identifying a Standard for Pin Site Care Using the Quality Assurance Approach

Comparison of povidone-iodine solution and soft white paraffin ointment in the management of skeletal pin-sites: A pilot study

“…No evidence of either was observed in this study and none of the other studies on pin-site care have reported these complications. Celeste et al (1984) reported no evidence of corrosion of stainless steel pins with povidone-iodine. In addition, according to the Corrosion Data Survey (Nelson, 1968), the penetration rate of iodine on stainless steel is less than 20/1000 of one inch per year.…”

“…A Cochrane review (Temple and Santy, 2004) found only one methodologically appropriate randomised controlled trial, Henry (1996), to guide protocol development. In most published studies protocols had been developed either as a result of surveying practice in other surgical units or by consensus of opinion (Brereton, 1998;Celeste et al, 1984;Jones-Walton, 1991;Lee-Smith et al, 2001).…”

“…does not lead to any cell damage even in a 10% concentration''. Only one article reviewed the use of ointments and these were perceived to block the drainage of fluid at the pin-site, increasing the risk of infection (Celeste et al, 1984).…”

“…From the commencement of the treatment protocol a pin-site evaluation sheet was developed based on the literature pertaining to pin-site studies in which signs and symptoms of pin-site inflammation/infection were discussed (Celeste et al, 1984;Jones-Walton, 1991;Sproles, 1985). Data collected using this instrument included patient demographics, medical history of patient, details of the surgical procedure, site of pin, type of pin, type of frame, type of wound, type of fracture, details of antibiotic therapy prescribed by hospital medical officer or GP, the frequency of cleaning and/or dressings, an on-going record of pin-site observation (colour, presence of swelling, presence of crust, presence and colour of ooze, presence of pus) and the date and reason for pin removal.…”

A fresh consensus for pin site care in the UK

“…Much discussion in the literature over the last few decades has been centered on the necessity of identifying effective strategies for preventing and recognising pin site wound infection (Baird-Holmes and Brown, 2005;Celeste et al, 1984;Sproles, 1985;Jones-Walton, 1991;Rowe, 1997;Lee-Smith et al, 2001;Patterson, 2005;Lethaby et al, 2008;Timms and Pugh, 2010). Although this discussion acknowledges the ritualistic nature of existing practice, it still does little to provide reliable and valid guidance on which to base interventions aimed at the prevention of infection.…”