title: Pin-tract complications in external fixation of fractures of the distal radius.
abstract: We analyzed retrospectively the rate and outcome of pin-tract complications in 314 unstable fractures of the distal radius, treated with the Hoffmann small-frame external fixator. The overall rate of complications was 27%. The commonest complication (21%) was pin-tract infection, which was treated with oral antibiotics. There were no cases of osteitis. Complications led to premature removal of the fixator in 17 of the cases. Women over the age of 75 years had a significantly higher rate of pin loosening (17%), but not a higher rate of premature removal of the fixator due to complications. 4% of the cases had a pin-site fracture, all women. The rate of pin-tract complications was high, but severe complications were rare, even in old women.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopedics, Malmö University Hospital, Sweden.
authors.forename: H G
authors.initials: HG
authors.lastname: Ahlborg
authors.forename: P O
authors.initials: PO
authors.lastname: Josefsson
mesh_terms: D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D017677:Age Distribution; D000367:Age Factors; D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D004868:Equipment Failure; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects*; D005260:Female; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D011859:Radiography; D011885:Radius Fractures / Q000000981:diagnostic imaging / Q000601:surgery*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D017678:Sex Distribution; D012737:Sex Factors; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000209:etiology*; D016896:Treatment Outcome