Pin Site Care

The protection of the bone–pin interface is vital for the successful completion of any fixator-assisted reconstructive procedure. Losing this interface through infection and/or loosening threatens the success of the reconstruction. Multiple factors have been identified and studied in an attempt to garner evidence-based guidelines on every aspect that may influence the external fixator pin site, including host factors, fixator and pin or wire design, operative technique, and postoperative care. Although high-quality research is lacking on most of these aspects, an attempt should be made to follow the best practice recommendations to lower pin site complications. This chapter reviews the current evidence and recommendations on the most factors influencing the longevity and susceptibility to infection of external fixator pin sites.