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 fixators
Result: 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<0.0001). Pin infection was not significantly different at post-operative day 2 (P=0.276), 1st week (P=0.852), 2nd week (P=1.000), 4th week (P=0.383), and 6th week (P=0.588) between predrilled and undrilled pins.
Conclusion: There is no significant difference between predrilled and undrilled schanz pins in uniplanar external fixators when used for compound tibia fracture management in terms of pin loosening or pin tract infection in immediate postop period as well as late periods.
