Pin Tract Care With External Fixation

External fixation is done when your bone fracture is severe and a cast would not be able to help you. However, if your injury requires an external fracture, you are also required to take care of the device and pins so that an infection won’t occur. An infection may mess up the healing process, requiring you to remove the pins and thus compromising your fracture or repair. Your doctor will give you instructions on how to take care of the pins, and you can read the tips below for insight as well.

How Should You Care for the Pin Sites?

Your doctor will advise you on the different cleaning techniques your pins require, depending on the type of external fixation device you receive and the severity of your injury. Make sure to wash your hands thoroughly before cleaning the pin sites and device, and dry them carefully as well. Always maintain proper hygiene with your pins, even if you’ve been prescribed antibiotics along with the injury, as cleanliness is essential to prevent infection.

Get It Together.

You’ll probably be cleaning your pin sites and external fixator twice a day, so make sure to gather everything you need and keep it organized in a location that’s easily accessible. You’ll be using a cleansing solution (sterile water), disposable cups, sterile cotton swabs and sterile gauze pads (both two-inch and four-inch squares) in the cleaning process. Also make sure to have a trash bag so you’ll be able to dispose of used gauze pads and swabs.

Cleanse the Pin Sites.

After washing and drying your hands thoroughly – doctors recommend drying with a fresh paper towel and discarding it after use – use your fingertips to lightly touch and press the skin around the pins. This will encourage any drainage to come to the surface. Use a cotton swab saturated with cleansing solution to remove any crust or drainage from the pin sites. Always work in a gentle, circular motion, moving away from the site. Use a fresh swab for each pin site.

Clean the Pins.

Use a clean two-inch sterile gauze pad to help clean each pin. During the first few days, your doctor may tell you to wrap gauze around each pin, but pins may be left uncovered without gauze if no drainage is present.

Clean the Device.

You can also use cotton swabs and the larger gauze pads to clean the whole fixator device. Afterwards, dispose of the used products and wash and dry your hands thoroughly.

Take a Shower.

Your doctor will tell you when it’s okay to take a shower again, usually after 10 days or so. After showering, make sure to dry the fixator thoroughly with a clean towel, and continue cleaning your pin sites accordingly.

Be sure to talk to your doctor if you have any questions on how to best care for your external fixation device and pins.

What Are the Symptoms of Infection?

Making sure that you upkeep your device’s cleaning routine is essential, but sometimes, an infection can still happen. If you notice any redness or swelling in any of your pins, thick/colored discharge, or feel any tenderness, pain, wiggling, play or movement, contact your doctor and have it inspected immediately.

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