Prevention and management of external fixator pin track sepsis

Abstract

Pin track-associated complications are almost universal findings with the use of external fixation. These complications are catastrophic if it leads to the failure of the bone–pin interface and could lead to pin loosening, fracture non-union and chronic osteomyelitis. Strategies proposed for the prevention and management of pin track complications are diverse and constantly changing. Prevention of external fixation pin track infection is a complex and ongoing task that requires attention to detail, meticulous surgical technique and constant vigilance.

Management of tibial non-unions: Prospective evaluation of a comprehensive treatment algorithm

“…18,19 Early functional rehabilitation was encouraged with the assistance of a physiotherapist. This entailed adjacent joint mobilisation and weight bearing followed by normalisation of gait pattern and functional use.…”

Mechanobiology in the management of mobile atrophic and oligotrophic tibial nonunions

“…Pin track care was according to our standard protocol and included twice daily cleaning with an alcoholic solution of chlorhexidine. 19 Outpatient follow-up was scheduled at two weekly intervals until a robust rehabilitation routine was established. Thereafter, the follow-up was increased to four weekly intervals.…”

Orthopaedic osseointegration: Implantology and future directions

“…The use of half‐pins in external fixators is exemplary of the challenges inherent to percutaneous implants. Lessons learned from their management can be applied to OI . Pin tract infections are a common complication of half‐pins given their percutaneous nature .…”