Pin-hole changes after external fixation of tubular bone.
K-wire-pin-induced changes in cortical bone were studied in the intact rabbit tibiofibular bone. Using a bilateral external fixator two pairs of pins were applied under compression (10 kp), under distraction (10 kp), and in a neutralization sense. After defined intervals the pin-holes were investigated macroscopically and radiologically. Reactive and resorptive changes were present in 101 of 576 (17.5%) pin-holes, infection in 13 (2.3%) pin-holes. Changes were significantly more frequent in the distal pin-holes. The appearance of the pin-holes was not influenced by the type of external fixation used nor did the occurrence depend on the duration of metal implantation.
D000818:Animals; D001858:Bone Nails / Q000009:adverse effects*; D001862:Bone Resorption / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D001842:Bone and Bones / Q000473:pathology*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D008297:Male; D011817:Rabbits; D011859:Radiography; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000473:pathology; D013997:Time Factors