The effectiveness of physician-directed external fixation pin site care in preventing pin site infection in a high-risk patient population.
Pin tract infection is one of the most frequently reported complications associated with the use of external fixation. Application of compression dressings to prevent motion at the pin-skin interface as well as periodic antiseptic cleansing of the pin sites has been advocated; however, no consensus has been reached on the most effective method of pin site care. This retrospective study was conducted to evaluate the effectiveness of a weekly, physician-directed pin site care protocol on reducing the rate of pin tract infections in a high-risk patient population.
Schweinberger
Monica H
MH
Limb Preservation Service, Vascular/Endovascular Surgery Service, Department of Surgery, Tacoma, Washington 98431, USA.
Roukis
Thomas S
TS
D000293:Adolescent; D000328:Adult; D000368:Aged; D000843:Ankle Joint / Q000601:surgery*; D001858:Bone Nails; D020878:Device Removal; D016267:External Fixators; D005260:Female; D005500:Follow-Up Studies; D016523:Foot Ulcer / Q000150:complications*; D006801:Humans; D007592:Joint Diseases / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D010818:Practice Patterns, Physicians'; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012307:Risk Factors; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control*; D016896:Treatment Outcome; D055815:Young Adult