Comparison of pre-drilled v/s undrilled schanz pins in relation to pin tract infection and pin loosening in external fixators

Abstract

Background: External fixation is a temporizing, and at times definitive, fixation method used in a wide array of orthopedic scenarios. While many factors affect the stability of external fixators, the pin-bone interface has been noted to be the most important in determining both long-term strength and survivability of the construct. This interface depends on the bone quality, pin design, and insertion technique. The aim of this study is to compare pre-drilled v/s un-drilled schanz pins in relation to pin track infection and pin loosening in external fixatorsResult: torque of insertion E1 (near cortex) (10-2, Newton-meter) was significantly higher in undrilled group in comparison to predrilled group (95.0 [66-122] vs. 70.25 [44-95]; p