How do you clean an external fixator pin?
Use a squeeze bottle to squirt saline on each pin and surrounding skin. Do not touch the tip of the bottle to the pins or skin. Dry around each pin using sterile gauze or cotton swabs. Use a clean gauze or swab for each pin.
How often should pin site care be provided?
Pin care is done once daily by cleaning each pin site with a new sterile cotton-tipped applicator that has been soaked in a solution of 1:1 hydrogen peroxide and normal saline.
What is pin site care?
Pin site care is a dressing procedure used to reduce the incidence of infection in patients undergoing treatment with an external fixator. External fixation is used for limb lengthening correction of deformity or to treat complex fractures of the limb.
How long do pin sites take to heal?
Your surgeon uses the external fixator to place the broken bone in its correct position and alignment until bone healing occurs. This may take approximately six weeks for a simple fracture, and up to one year or longer for a more complicated procedure. Why is the Pin Site important?
How do I know if my pin is infected?
Check your pin site every day for signs of infection, such as:
- Skin redness.
- Skin at the site is warmer.
- Swelling or hardening of the skin.
- Increased pain at the pin site.
- Drainage that is yellow, green, thick, or smelly.
- Fever.
- Numbness or tingling at the pin site.
- Movement or looseness of the pin.
How do you take care of an external fixator?
Wash and dry your hands thoroughly. Take a Shower. After 10 days or so (your doctor will advise you), you may be allowed to shower with your external fixator. Dry the fixator thoroughly with a clean towel and follow all other cleaning instructions for the pin sites.
What happens if pins get infected?
Signs & Symptoms of infection include: Warmth in the general area of the pin or wire. Swelling around the pin or wire. May be hard or fluid-like. Drainage from the pin or wire, characteristics may vary such as consistency, color and odor.
How do I know if my pins are infected?
How is pin tract infection treated?
Pin tract infection is a common complication of external fixation. It usually heals after treatment with debridement, antibiotics, and/or pin removal, only rarely developing into delayed osteomyelitis.
How do you give back care in skeletal traction?
“pads,slings,or pushers may be used with traction.
How do you care for skeletal traction?
– Ensure that the traction weight bag is hanging freely, the bag must not rest on the bed or the floor. – If the rope becomes frayed replace them. – The rope must be in the pulley tracks. – Ensure the bandages are free from wrinkles. – Tilt the bed to maintain counter traction.
What are the types of skeletal traction?
Skeletal Traction. Skeletal traction involves placing a pin,wire,or screw in the fractured bone.
What is the definition of skeletal traction?
Skeletal traction is an age-old method used to treat broken bones after an injury has occurred. Since the 13th century, this procedure has been used to put bones back in place and hold them steady so they heal properly. As this is a medical procedure, it needs to be performed by a medical doctor and, most specifically, an orthopedic surgeon.