Tehran University Medical Journal

Background: Pin loosening and infection in skeletal traction are important problems in orthopedic surgery and methods which are usually used to manage these problems, are costly and sometimes complicated. In this study, the efficacy of using cast support in infection and loosening of proximal tibial pin was investigated.

Methods: In a randomized clinical trial, 60 patients referring to Rasul-e- Akram hospital from 1383 to 1384, who needed to have proximal tibial pin for at least one month, were studied. All patients were treated with oral antibiotic until 24 hours after pin insertion. Depending on using cast support or not, they were randomly categorized into two groups (30, 30). The rate of pin loosening and infection between these two groups were compared.

Results: In the group without cast support infection rate was about %26.7 while this rate was %13.3 in the group with cast support, which means no significant difference (.33). In addition, although the rate of loosening in the group without cast support was more than the other group, it had no statistical meaning. (%20 compared with %10, p= 0.47)

Conclusions: Cast support doesn't affect the rate of pin loosening and pin site infection. However, considering correct technique for pin insertion including prevention of thermal injury and local hematoma is very important. Therefore, the use of cast support is an optional choice up to surgeons' preference.