Skeletal pin traction: guidelines on postoperative care and support
Davis, P.
Nursing Times 99(21): 46-48
2003
ISSN/ISBN: 0954-7762 PMID: 12800529 Document Number: 562309
Orthopaedic pins and wires have been used to apply skeletal traction for many years, and there has been an increase in the use of external fixators (Santy, 2000; Sims and Saleh, 2000). Multiple pins are frequently used and, as such, create potential portals for infection. Infection rates for these pins are reported to be as high as 85 per cent (Sims and Saleh, 2000). However, pin-site management practices are diverse, contradictory and lack consistency.