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Pin/Wire Classification and Treatment

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Pin/wire site infections are common with the use of external fixators. Nearly all patients will experience several pin/wire site infections throughout the course of treatment. The severity of infection will determine treatment. The following guidelines outline the grading and appearance of sites and the appropriate action to take. Communication with the clinic is extremely important if you have questions regarding the signs of infection. 

 

Grade

Appearance 

Treatment

0

Pin/wire sites are clear of any
redness, drainage or pain. 

  • Clean pin/wire sites once a week with normal saline. 
1

Slight redness/inflammation
at sites. 

  • Inspect sites daily and clean with normal saline.
2

Area around a site is red and tender with colorless, watery or clear yellow drainage. 

  • Clean that site daily with half-strength hydrogen peroxide. 
  • Start mupirocin (Bactroban®) ointment daily on that site. 
  • If stitches have been removed, soak the limb in a tub with Dreft detergent 1-2 times per day. 
3

Area around the site is painful, red and swollen with a purulent (thick, colored) drainage. 

  • Start antibiotics and follow the plan for Grade 2 infection. 
  • The doctor may consider removing or exchanging the pin/wire. 
  • Pain medication may help temporarily.
  • Contact the office if there is no improvement after 2-3 days. 
4

Deep redness/severe discomfort at sites indicating a serious infection (an X-ray shows early signs of bone infection). Fever and purulent drainage may be present. 

  • Start antibiotics and follow the plan as for Grade 3 infection. 
  • The pin/wire must be removed. 
5

All of the above including deep bone infection.

  • Start antibiotics and follow the plan as for Grade 3 infection. 
  • Surgery/debridement. 

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact Telehealth Nursing at 651-229-3890.