A survey of current practice in skeletal pin site management

SummaryThe management of sites for external fixator pins and wires has been a matter of debate within orthopaedic and trauma nursing for decades. The literature outlining the conundrum goes as far back as the early 1980s. Sadly, none of this literature, to date, has resolved the question of how to most effectively prevent infection in these challenging wounds. This article reports on a UK survey that identifies current practice in pin and wire site wound management. It should help those planning to conduct research in this area to identify possible interventions, controls and variables that need to be taken into account when conducting randomised controlled studies.