An external
fixator is a metal frame that holds bones in place. It has pins that go through
the skin and into the bone. The external fixator used for limb
lengthening has bars (called struts) that are turned to slowly lengthen and realign
the bone.
Why Is Pin Care Important?
The pins go through the skin and into the bone, which can give germs a way to get
into the body and cause infections. If an infection happens, your child will need
to take antibiotics. Keeping the pins clean helps prevent infection.
How Do I Clean the Pins?
Clean the pins once a day unless your
care team gives you other instructions.
If germs from one pin site get onto another pin site, this can cause infection.
So don't let anything that touches one pin touch another. This includes gloves, gauze,
tweezers, cotton swabs, and anything else that touches the pins.
To clean the pins:
Wash your hands and put on gloves (the gloves do not need to be sterile).
Remove any crusting around the pins:
Wrap sterile gauze soaked with saline around the pin site and let it sit for a
few minutes. Use a separate gauze for each pin site.
When the crusting is softened, remove it with a cotton swab (use a separate swab
for each pin site) or tweezers that are cleaned with alcohol on sterile gauze before
using and between each pin.
Remove any clear or yellow drainage with a cotton swab (use a separate swab for
each pin site) or tweezers that are cleaned with alcohol on sterile gauze before using
and between each 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.
What Are the Signs of a Pin Infection?
Redness, pain, warmth, swelling, pus or more drainage from any of the pin sites
can be signs that your child has a pin infection. A fever higher than 100.4°F
(38°C) also can be a sign of a pin infection.
When Should I Call the Doctor?
Call your surgeon right away if your child has signs of a pin infection. Your child
needs antibiotics to make the infection go away.
Looking Ahead
Taking care of an external fixator takes time and patience. Keep a positive attitude
that lets your child know that you can do it together. With your help, your child
can get the best results from the surgery.
