Pin care therapy

Stainless steel pins may be left protruding through the skin for weeks after surgery. These must be kept clean and protected from catching on sheets or clothing.

1. Clean the pin and pin site (the point where the pin enters the skin) with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip two to three times daily.

2. If Neosporin, Bacitracin or similar petrolatum based ointments are used on adjacent wounds, avoid covering the pin sites with this.

3. The pin site may be covered with dry gauze or left open to air.

4. Notify physician if pin sites drain pus or become increasingly red and painful.

5. If the pin sites get wet from washing or immersion, follow with step #1.

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, the physician should be contacted for further instructions.

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