Orthopaedic pins and wires have been used to apply
skeletal traction for many years, and there has been
an increase in the use of external fixators (Santy,
2000; Sims and Saleh, 2000). Multiple pins are
frequently used and, as such, create potential
portals for infection. Infection rates for these pins
are reported to be as high as 85 per cent (Sims and
Saleh, 2000). However, pin-site management
practices are diverse, contradictory and lack
consistency.