Abstract | BACKGROUND: METHODS: Forty patients (160 pins) were randomized for standard uniplanar fixator treatment with the use of identically designed pins either composed of titanium- alloy ( Ti6Al4V) (n = 20) or coated by HA (n = 20). Each pin site was clinically evaluated with regard to erythema, drainage, pain value, and radiologically assessed concerning loosening at T1 (mean, 9 days), T2 (mean, 43 days), and T3 (mean, 56 days). In case of pin-track complication, the patient was followed continuously. The need for antibiotics or additional surgery was documented. Bone mineral density was analyzed by Dual Energy X-ray Absorptiometry. At fixator removal (T2), the pin-extraction strength was measured by the use of a digital-torque-wrench. RESULTS: Two minor pin-track infections requiring oral antibiotics occurred in the HA-pin group (2.7%) (p > 0.05). The vast majority of clinical pin-site parameters were comparable in both groups. At the end of the fixator therapy, there were 16 loose pins (n( Ti6AL4V-group) = 10; n(HA-group) = 6). The rate of loose pins was correlated to patient's age (p < 0.05) but not to bone mineral density values or the occurrence of pin-site infection. Finally, no significant difference between the two groups was detected with regard to the prevalence of clinical relevant pin-site complications (p = 0.80). CONCLUSIONS: In external fixation of the wrist, the use of HA-coated pins yields no clinical advantages: there is a trend toward a superior pin-bone anchorage, but a tendency of increased susceptibility for minor pin-track infections.
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Authors | Oliver Pieske, Leopold Pichlmaier, Felicitas Kaltenhauser, Nicolai Schramm, Bianka Rubenbauer, Axel Greiner, Stefan Piltz |
Journal | The Journal of trauma
(J Trauma)
Vol. 70
Issue 4
Pg. 845-51
(Apr 2011)
ISSN: 1529-8809 [Electronic] United States |
PMID | 20805762
(Publication Type: Comparative Study, Journal Article, Randomized Controlled Trial)
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Chemical References |
- Alloys
- Coated Materials, Biocompatible
- titanium aluminum alloy
- Durapatite
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Topics |
- Adolescent
- Adult
- Aged
- Aged, 80 and over
- Alloys
- Bone Nails
- Coated Materials, Biocompatible
- Durapatite
- Female
- Fracture Fixation
(instrumentation)
- Fractures, Bone
(diagnosis, surgery)
- Humans
- Male
- Middle Aged
- Prosthesis Design
- Treatment Outcome
- Wrist Injuries
(diagnosis, surgery)
- Young Adult
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