title: Maggot infestation (myiasis) of external fixation pin sites in diabetic patients.
abstract: Diabetic patients, and especially elderly patients in a low-nutritional or immunocompromised state, are prone to a variety of opportunistic infections. 'Myiasis' is a term that refers to non-iatrogenic infestation of tissues by larvae, commonly known as maggots, of dipterous flies. Myiasis as a complication of fracture treatment by means of external fixation of long bones has not been reported. We present three diabetic patients, who suffered maggot infestation of their external fixation pin holes, and their outcome. Diabetes, immobilization, poor hygiene and low immune status are predisposing factors for developing myiasis, an extremely rare complication for external fixation of fractures.
authors.affiliation: Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Medical School, Democritus University of Thrace, University General Hospital of Alexandroupolis, 68100 Alexandroupolis, Greece.
authors.forename: D-A J
authors.initials: DA
authors.lastname: Verettas
authors.forename: C N
authors.initials: CN
authors.lastname: Chatzipapas
authors.forename: G I
authors.initials: GI
authors.lastname: Drosos
authors.forename: K C
authors.initials: KC
authors.lastname: Xarchas
authors.forename: C
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Staikos
authors.forename: P
authors.initials: P
authors.lastname: Chloropoulou
authors.forename: K I
authors.initials: KI
authors.lastname: Kazakos
authors.forename: A
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Ververidis
mesh_terms: D000368:Aged; D000369:Aged, 80 and over; D000818:Animals; D003920:Diabetes Mellitus; D004175:Diptera; D016267:External Fixators / Q000469:parasitology*; D005260:Female; D005592:Fracture Fixation / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007814:Larva; D008297:Male; D009198:Myiasis / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy; D012307:Risk Factors; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000469:parasitology* / Q000628:therapy