Effect of Nursing Management on Pin Site Infection Among Incidence Patients with External Fixators

Abstract

Background: Pin site infection is the most common complication of external fixator. Aim of the study: To evaluate the effect of nursing management on pin site infection incidence among patients with external fixators. Subjects and Methods: A sample of 80 patients (males and females) attended to the trauma department that their ages ranged from 18 to 65 years old, had open or closed fracture in lower and/or upper limbs that were indicated for external fixation application. The study was conducted in traumatology department at Assiut University Hospital. Tools: (I): Patient assessment sheet. Tools: (II) Checketts and Otterburn's Grading System. Results: Only four (5.0%) patients developed pin site infection, whose grade was grade I. There was highly statistical significant relation between pin site infection and smoking p 0,001. Conclusion: After providing nursing management for patients with external fixators most of studied patients didn't develop pin site infection. Recommendation: Increase patients’ awareness about the importance of pin site care and periodic check up to prevent developing any complications which can effect on their quality of life.