Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 21, 2025
A Reliable and Reproducible Critical-Sized Segmental Femoral Defect Model in Rats Stabilized with a Custom External Fixator
Published on: March 24, 2019
Pin-tract myiasis after external bone fixation: A case report and review of literature
Nimesh Lageju1, Durga Neupane1, Lokesh Shekher Jaiswal2
1MBBS, B.P. Koirala Institute of Health Sciences, Dharan, Nepal.
Introduction And Importance:
Myiasis has been reported as a complication of fracture treatment with external fixation. Therefore, physicians should be aware of the possible re-emergence of myiasis as a complication of surgery and the use of metal fixators.
Clinical Presentation:
A 45-year-old male, non-diabetic, chronic alcoholic treated with external bone fixation and flap coverage for Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB comminuted fracture of shaft of left tibia and fibula with intact distal neuro-vascular system presented with multiple maggots with foul-smelling discharge from the pin tract. A diagnosis of abscess with pin-tract myiasis was made and managed with wound debridement and complete removal of maggots.
Conclusion:
We report this rare pin-tract complication to acknowledge how simple precautions, wound care, and avoidance of risk factors play a vital role in preventing such infestations. Therefore, physicians should be aware of the possible re-emergence of myiasis as a complication of surgery and the use of metal fixators.
Insights
Physicians should be aware of myiasis, a rare complication of external fixation for fracture treatment. Prompt wound care and maggot removal are crucial for managing this condition.
Area of Science:
- Medical Entomology
- Orthopedic Surgery
- Infectious Diseases
Background:
- Myiasis, an infestation by fly larvae, can occur as a complication in fracture treatment.
- External fixation devices, while effective for fracture stabilization, may present risks for wound complications.
Purpose of the Study:
- To report a rare case of pin-tract myiasis in a patient undergoing external fixation for a complex fracture.
- To highlight the importance of vigilant wound care and preventative measures against myiasis in orthopedic surgery.
Main Methods:
- A case study of a 45-year-old male with a Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB fracture of the tibia and fibula treated with external fixation.
- Clinical presentation involved maggots and foul discharge from the pin tract, leading to a diagnosis of abscess with pin-tract myiasis.
Main Results:
- The patient presented with a severe pin-tract infection characterized by multiple maggots and purulent discharge.
- Successful management involved wound debridement and complete removal of the maggots, resolving the myiasis.
Conclusions:
- This case underscores the potential for myiasis to re-emerge as a surgical complication, particularly with the use of external fixators.
- Emphasizes the critical role of meticulous wound care, simple precautions, and risk factor avoidance in preventing fly larvae infestations in surgical sites.
More Related Videos
07:35Creating Rigidly Stabilized Fractures for Assessing Intramembranous Ossification, Distraction Osteogenesis, or Healing of Critical Sized Defects
Published on: April 11, 2012
04:41Treatment with Locking Intramedullary Nailing for Intertrochanteric Fracture of the Femur Utilizing a New Awl with a Distal Positioner
Published on: June 6, 2025