Pin-tract infection during limb lengthening using external fixation

Abstract

We evaluated the incidence of pin-tract infection (PTI) during limb lengthening using external fixation in 88 patients and the effects of infection on final outcomes and incidence of additional procedures. The PTI rate was 96.6%. The rate of half-pin site infection was significantly (P<.05) higher in half-pin fixators (100%) than in hybrid fixators (78%). There was a significantly (P<.05) higher incidence of half-pin site infection (78%) than fine-wire site infection (33%). The rate of additional surgeries for treating PTI was higher for half-pin sites than for fine-wire sites. Three (3.4%) of the 88 cases led to chronic osteomyelitis. Careful insertion and a simple, well-defined, excellent pin-care protocol can minimize PTI.