Pin site infections in pediatric population, microbiology, treatment and long-term functional disability

Abstract

External fixation is a commonly used method in pediatric populations. Supracondylar fractures Gartland II, IIIa, IIIb, the 60% of all elbow fractures, are treated with close reduction and percutaneous pinning. Moreover, external fixation is applied to open fractures, congenital and acquired deformities, infected non-unions, mobilisation of stiff joints. Pin track infection is the most common complication encountered. High rates of morbidity are reported, especially when the treatment is prolonged. PTIs do not follow a uniform definition and a classification, so the rates are ranging from 1 to 100%. Current literature proposes to define PTI infection as the signs and symptoms of inflammation around the pins and wires, that require antibiotics, pin or wire removal or even surgical debridement.