A patient with an open tibial fracture is managed in a spanning external fixator. What is the MOST common complication encountered during treatment?

• A Pin tract infection ✓
• B Deep venous thrombosis
• C Delayed union at the fracture site
• D Iatrogenic neurovascular injury at pin insertion

Explanation

Pin tract infection is the commonest complication of external fixation, occurring in a substantial minority of patients, ranging from superficial inflammation requiring local care and oral antibiotics to osteomyelitis needing pin removal. Neurovascular injury is largely prevented by safe corridor insertion techniques, and thrombosis and delayed union are recognised but less frequent than pin site problems, which arise because transcutaneous pins provide a direct route for bacterial entry.

Reference: Miller's Review of Orthopaedics, 8th ed.

High-yield for: NEET PGINI-CETNExTFMGEUSMLEPLABMRCP

Written and medically reviewed by the StethoPrep medical team.