Strategies in Trauma and Limb Reconstruction

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VOLUME 7 , ISSUE 2 ( August, 2012 ) > List of Articles

Review

Prevention and management of external fixator pin track sepsis

Leonard Charles Marais

Keywords : Pin site, Infection, Complications, External fixation

Citation Information : Marais LC. Prevention and management of external fixator pin track sepsis. 2012; 7 (2):67-72.

DOI: 10.1007/s11751-012-0139-2

License: CC BY-NC-SA 4.0

Published Online: 01-12-2012

Copyright Statement:  Copyright © 2012; The Author(s).


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.


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