External fixation – the incidence of pin site infection: a prospective audit

2000 ◽  
Vol 4 (2) ◽  
pp. 59-63 ◽  
Author(s):  
Melanie Sims ◽  
Mike Saleh
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
Site Infection ◽  
Prospective Audit ◽  
Pin Site

scholarly journals Static monolateral external fixation for the Rolando fracture: a simple solution for a complex fracture

2012 ◽  
Vol 94 (2) ◽  
pp. 112-115 ◽  
Author(s):  
D Marsland ◽  
AP Sanghrajka ◽  
B Goldie
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Case Series ◽  
X Rays ◽  
Site Infection ◽  
Study Support ◽  
Pin Site ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Joint Incongruity ◽  
Mean Time

INTRODUCTION Rolando fractures are often difficult to manage because of their inherent instability. We describe a simple technique for the treatment of this fracture using the principle of ligamentotaxis, with a static, two-pin external fixator spanning the trapeziometacarpal joint, and present the results of a single-surgeon case series. METHODS Eight consecutive patients (mean age: 32.8 years) with Rolando fractures were treated using a Hoffmann II® Micro small bone external fixator using blunt ended 2.0mm half pins, inserted into the trapezium and diaphysis of the first metacarpal. Functional outcome was assessed with the Quick Disabilities of the Arm, Shoulder and Hand (QuickDASH) score at a mean time of 2.7 years following the fracture (range: 4 months – 6.0 years). The mean time to frame removal was 28 days. RESULTS There were three cases of superficial pin site infection. Follow-up x-rays at four months did not demonstrate significant joint incongruity or malunion in any case. The mean QuickDASH score was 7.95 and all patients returned to their previous levels of activity. CONCLUSIONS Although external fixation risks pin site infection, the results of this study support the use of spanning trapeziometacarpal external fixation for Rolando fractures as it reliably gives excellent functional outcomes.

scholarly journals Prevention of pin site infection in external fixation: a review of the literature

2016 ◽  
Vol 11 (2) ◽  
pp. 75-85 ◽  
Author(s):  
S. Robert Rozbruch ◽  
Nikolas H. Kazmers ◽  
Austin T. Fragomen
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
Site Infection ◽  
Review Of The Literature ◽  
Pin Site

scholarly journals SECONDARY INTERNAL OSTEOSYNTHESIS WITH LOCKING PLATES FOR RECENT OR OLD OPEN FRACTURE OF THE TIBIA, OVERLAPPING PROVISIONAL EXTERNAL FIXATOR PIN SITES: IS THE INFECTION RISK INCREASED?

2020 ◽  
pp. 1-3
Author(s):  
Garg Uttam Kumar ◽  
Shukla S. K ◽  
Pathak S. K ◽  
Usmani I. A
Keyword(s):  
External Fixation ◽  
External Fixator ◽  
Open Fracture ◽  
Locking Plate ◽  
Deep Infection ◽  
Site Infection ◽  
Superficial Infection ◽  
Pin Site ◽  
The Mean ◽  
Type Of Fracture

Twenty-two patients had a severe open fracture of the tibia that was initially treated by external fixation and subsequently by locking plate. The external fixation had been maintained for an average of fifty-nine days (range, 15 to 240 days). The mean interval between removal of the external fixator and plating was twenty-six days (range, 10 to 44 days). five out of twelve patients who had an infection at one or more of the pin sites, developed one superficial and four deep infection. In comparison, only one of the ten patients who had not had a pin-site infection had a superficial infection. An analysis of other variables, including the duration of external fixation, wound coverage, other injuries, and the type of fracture, showed that none was a predictor of infection either at the pin sites or around the plate. We concluded that a pin-site infection that develops during external fixation is a contraindication to the subsequent plating in patients who have a fracture of the tibia.

Incidence and Risk Factors for Pin Site Infection of Exposed Kirschner Wires Following Elective Forefoot Surgery

2019 ◽  
Vol 40 (10) ◽  
pp. 1154-1159 ◽  
Author(s):  
James C. McKenzie ◽  
Ryan G. Rogero ◽  
Sultan Khawam ◽  
Elizabeth L. McDonald ◽  
Kristen Nicholson ◽  
...  
Keyword(s):  
Risk Factors ◽  
Significant Risk ◽  
Case Series ◽  
Current Smoker ◽  
Site Infection ◽  
Kirschner Wires ◽  
Forefoot Surgery ◽  
Pin Site ◽  
Male Sex ◽  
K Wires

Background: Kirschner wires (K-wires) are commonly utilized for temporary metatarsal and phalangeal fixation following forefoot procedures. K-wires can remain in place for up to 6 weeks postoperatively and are at risk for complications. This study investigated the incidence of infectious complications of exposed K-wires after forefoot surgery and identifies risk factors for these complications. Methods: A single-surgeon retrospective chart review of forefoot surgeries from 2007 to 2017 was undertaken. Inclusion criteria were adult patients (≥18 years) undergoing elective forefoot surgery with the use of exposed K-wires. Incidence of pin site infectious complication, defined as cellulitis, or pin site drainage and/or migration/loosening of the pin was noted. Patient demographic and perioperative data were analyzed, along with the number of K-wires placed per procedure. Mann-Whitney U and chi-square tests were performed to determine predictive factors related to pin site infection rates, with a multivariable model with significant factors subsequently performed. Two-thousand seventeen K-wires in 1237 patients were analyzed. Results: There were 35 pin site infections for a rate of 1.74%. Combined forefoot procedures (507 pins in 229 patients) had a pin site infection rate of 4.93% (N = 25), followed by lesser metatarsal osteotomies (667 pins in 446 patients) at 1.05% (N = 7), then hammertoe corrections (694 pins in 421 patients) at 0.43% (N = 3), and no pin site infections with chevron osteotomies (149 pins in 141 patients). Male sex, body mass index (BMI), current smoker, and number of pins were significant risk factors ( P ≤ .05). Additionally, there were 23 non–infection-related K-wire complications. No long-term sequelae were encountered based on any complications. Conclusion: K-wires are commonly used for temporary immobilization of the smaller bones of the forefoot following deformity correction. Male sex, BMI, current smoker, and number of pins were significant risk factors for pin site infection, with a higher rate of infection with 2 or more pins placed. Level of Evidence: Level IV, case series.

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