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Review
. 2022 May-Aug;17(2):93-104.
doi: 10.5005/jp-journals-10080-1562.

Pin-site Infection: A Systematic Review of Prevention Strategies

David W Shields  1 , Alexis-Dimitris Iliadis  2 , Erin Kelly  3 , Nima Heidari  2 , Bilal Jamal  1
Affiliations
Review

Pin-site Infection: A Systematic Review of Prevention Strategies

David W Shields et al. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr. 2022 May-Aug.

Abstract

Introduction: Circular frame fixation remains a key tool in the armamentarium of the limb reconstruction surgeon. One of the key drawbacks is the onset of pin-site infection (PSI). As a result of limited evidence and consensus of PSI prevention, a wide variation in practice remains.

Aim: The principal aim of this review is to synthesise primary research concerning all aspects of treatment regarded as relevant to PSI in frame constructs.

Materials and methods: Comparative studies until week 26, 2021, were included in the trial. Studies were included that concerned patients undergoing management of a musculoskeletal condition in which pin-site care is necessary for over 4 weeks.

Results: Eighteen studies over a 13-year period were captured using the search strategy. Sulphadiazine and hydrogen peroxide cleansing was found to reduce PSI, with the use of low-energy fine wires and hydroxyapatite (HA)-coated pins also associated with lower infection rate. The remainder of studies found no significant improvement across interventions.

Conclusion: There is no superiority between weekly and daily care. Low-energy pin-insertion technique had lower rates of infection. Sulphadiazine has positive results as a pin-care solution, but more research is necessary to determine the most effective care regime. Current literature is limited by absence of established definitions and by a lack of studies addressing all aspects of care relevant to PSI.

How to cite this article: Shields DW, Iliadis AD, Kelly E, et al. Pin-site Infection: A Systematic Review of Prevention Strategies. Strategies Trauma Limb Reconstr 2022;17(2):93-104.

Keywords: Classification; Diagnosis; External fixation; Management; Pin-site infection; Prevention; Systematic review.

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Conflict of interest statement

Source of support: Nil Conflict of interest: None

Figures

Flowchart 1
Flowchart 1
PRISMA flow diagram
See this image and copyright information in PMC

References

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