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.

Level of Evidence: 4

Keywords: complications, external fixation, flaps, infection bone, osteomyelitis, pin care, pin site, prevention, treatment, wires