Patient instructions pin care

Stainless steel pins have been left protruding through the skin. These must be kept clean and protected from catching on sheets or clothing.

I plan to keep them 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 may be covered with dry gauze or left open to air.

If ointment is used, avoid covering the pin sites.

If the pin sites get wet from washing or immersion, clean the pin and the point where the pin enters the skin with hydrogen peroxide and a Q-tip.

POSSIBLE PROBLEMS

DRAINAGE It is normal for clear yellow or orange fluid to drain occasionally from pin sites. However, contact me if pin sites drain pus or become increasingly red and painful.

LOOSENING 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 me for further instructions. Please do not push the pin back in.