Stainless steel pins have been left protruding through the skin. These must be kept clean and protected from catching on sheets or clothing.
Pin can stay in for a number of weeks. The pins may be removed in the office, but in certain situations I will need to arrange for removal in the operating room.
PIN SITE MAINTENANCE:
The pin site (where the pin enters the skin) may be covered with dry gauze or left open to air.
- Clean the pin and the point where the pin enters the skin with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip at least three times a day.
- If the pin site get wet from washing, clean the pin and the point where the pin enters the skin with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip.
It is normal to develop a small amount of redness around the pin site the longer they are kept in and for clear yellow or orange fluid to drain occasionally from pin sites. However,
contact us if pin sites drain pus or become increasingly red and painful.
Pins may appear to be loose or turn in place. This is usually not a problem, as long as they are left alone. Occasionally, a pin will catch on something and pull partly or all the way out. This most often occurs after the pin has been in for several weeks. Although this does not usually create a problem with the outcome of surgery,
contact us for further instructions. Please do not push the pin back in.