A patient in an Ilizarov frame develops a painful, discharging pin tract. Radiographs show the wire is firmly seated with no loosening or osteolysis. What is the initial management?
- A Remove the entire frame immediately
- B Oral antibiotics with intensified local pin site care ✓
- C Intravenous antibiotics for six weeks
- D Exchange the wire under anaesthesia
Correct answer: B. Oral antibiotics with intensified local pin site care
Explanation
Pin tract infection is the most common complication of ring fixation. Early infection with a stable, well-seated wire responds to oral antibiotics directed at staphylococci along with rigorous cleansing and soft tissue release around the pin. Wire exchange is reserved for loose wires or radiographic osteolysis, since a loose wire acts as a foreign body and will not settle with antibiotics alone.
Reference: Chapman's Orthopaedic Surgery, 4th ed.
High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP
Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.