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Abstract
Major external fixator pin tract infection can be managed by curettage, overdrilling
or excision of the pin tract. An alternative is arthroscopic debridement which allows
thorough curettage with the advantage of direct inspection of the pin tract to ensure
clearance of all necrotic tissue from the tract base and walls.
To date, arthroscopic pin tract debridement has been used successfully to manage 25
pin tracts in six patients. Adequate visualization of the pin tract throughout its
course was possible in all cases. Two patients subsequently underwent intramedullary
mailing without complication. No recurrent infection has occurred at review at 13
months.
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References
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Article info
Publication history
Accepted:
September 15,
1997
Identification
Copyright
© 1998 Published by Elsevier Inc.