An external fixator is a metal frame that holds bones in place. It has pins that go through the skin and into the bone. The external fixator used for limb lengthening has bars (called struts) that are turned to slowly lengthen and realign the bone.
The pins go through the skin and into the bone, which can give germs a way to get into the body and cause infections. If an infection happens, your child will need to take antibiotics. Keeping the pins clean helps prevent infection.
Clean the pins once a day unless your orthopedic care team gives you other instructions.
If germs from one pin site get onto another pin site, this can cause infection. So don't let anything that touches one pin touch another. This includes gloves, gauze, tweezers, cotton swabs, and anything else that touches the pins.
To clean the pins:
Redness, pain, warmth, swelling, pus or more drainage from any of the pin sites can be signs that your child has a pin infection. A fever higher than 100.4°F (38°C) also can be a sign of a pin infection.
Call your surgeon right away if your child has signs of a pin infection. Your child needs antibiotics to make the infection go away.
Taking care of an external fixator takes time and patience. Keep a positive attitude that lets your child know that you can do it together. With your help, your child can get the best results from the surgery.
Reviewed by: Susan M. Dubowy, PA-C, L. Reid Nichols, MD
Date Reviewed: Jan 19, 2018