title: Prevention and management of complications arising from external fixation pin sites.
abstract: The use of external fixation devices to assist in the management of lower extremity trauma and reconstruction continues to rise. Despite the distinct advantages of external fixation, complications from external fixators continue to exist. The complicated external fixator-associated pin site may be a potential source of significant morbidity, especially in the at-risk patient, which may lead to soft tissue healing problems and infections, as well as osteomyelitis. This article describes both simple as well as more complex techniques that the authors use in the prevention and management of complications arising from external fixator pin sites, and solutions to the difficult task of incorporating external fixator wires into negative-pressure dressings.
authors.affiliation: Foot & Ankle Section, Department of Orthopaedics, Marshfield Clinic, Marshfield, WI 54449, USA. cbibbo@charter.net
authors.forename: Christopher
authors.initials: C
authors.lastname: Bibbo
authors.forename: Jon
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Brueggeman
mesh_terms: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents / Q000627:therapeutic use; D018786:Bone Substitutes / Q000627:therapeutic use; D003646:Debridement; D004337:Drug Carriers; D016267:External Fixators / Q000009:adverse effects*; D006801:Humans; D007867:Leg Bones / Q000473:pathology; D054843:Negative-Pressure Wound Therapy; D010019:Osteomyelitis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D010020:Osteonecrosis / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D017592:Skin Care; D018461:Soft Tissue Infections / Q000209:etiology / Q000628:therapy*; D013524:Surgical Flaps
chemical_list: D000900:Anti-Bacterial Agents; D018786:Bone Substitutes; D004337:Drug Carriers