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Factors in pin tract infections.

J Mahan1, D Seligson, S L Henry

  • 1Department of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Louisville, KY 40292.

Orthopedics
|March 1, 1991
PubMed
Summary

Loose external fixation pins are linked to bacterial infection. Inflammation or positive cultures suggest looseness, indicating removal is necessary. Mechanical factors significantly influence pin tract flora.

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Area of Science:

  • Orthopedics
  • Infectious Diseases
  • Biomedical Engineering

Background:

  • Pin tract infections are a common complication of external fixation.
  • Understanding the etiology of these infections is crucial for effective prevention and treatment.

Purpose of the Study:

  • To identify factors contributing to the development of pin tract infections in patients undergoing external fixation.
  • To correlate clinical signs and bacterial cultures with pin looseness and infection.

Main Methods:

  • Prospective examination of 214 pins from 42 patients at the time of pin removal.
  • Assessment of pin tract inflammation, pin anchorage stability, and bacterial cultures from pin tips.
  • Statistical analysis to determine correlations between variables.

Main Results:

  • 41.6% of pin tracts were inflamed, and 22.9% of pins were loose.
  • 74.8% of pin tips yielded positive bacterial cultures, predominantly Staphylococcus epidermidis.
  • Loose pins showed a significant correlation with infection by virulent bacteria (P < .005).

Conclusions:

  • Most external fixation pins exhibit bacterial colonization.
  • Clinical signs like inflammation or positive cultures for invasive organisms suggest pin looseness and warrant removal.
  • Mechanical factors are the primary determinant of bacterial flora at pin tracts.

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