Soft Tissue and Pin Care & Counseling

Name: Soft Tissue and Pin Care & Counseling
Uploaded: 2026-03-18T21:24:27+00:00
Duration: 18 min
Description: This educational session focuses on soft tissue management and pin care in patients treated with external fixation. It addresses pin tract infections as one of the most frequent complications, emphasizing that pin loosening typically precedes infection

This educational session focuses on soft tissue management and pin care in patients treated with external fixation. It addresses pin tract infections as one of the most frequent complications, emphasizing that pin loosening typically precedes infection rather than resulting from it. The lecture highlights the importance of preoperative planning, construct stability, and appropriate pin placement to reduce complications.

Key surgical principles are discussed, including optimal pin positioning, avoidance of thermal injury through proper drilling techniques, and the role of stable frame configurations. Attention is given to intraoperative techniques such as pre-drilling, cooling with saline irrigation, and protecting soft tissues to minimize necrosis and infection risk.

Postoperative care is equally emphasized, including standardized cleaning protocols, patient education, and early recognition of infection signs. The session also reviews escalation strategies—from local care to systemic antibiotics and surgical revision—based on the severity of pin tract infection. Clinical insights underline the importance of continuous monitoring and timely intervention to preserve fixation stability and overall treatment outcomes.

To explore additional educational resources, research initiatives, and global programs, visit: https://www.sonaglobalacademy.org

SONA Global Virtual Education Conferences, created in partnership with the Harvard Global Orthopaedics Collaborative (HGOC), are the cornerstone of this educational programming—bringing together expert faculty and evidence-based insights to advance musculoskeletal care worldwide.

Speakers

Fernando Raduan, MD

Learning objectives

Understand the pathophysiology and risk factors of pin tract infections in external fixation.
Recognize the relationship between pin loosening and subsequent infection development.
Identify key principles of surgical technique that reduce soft tissue injury and infection risk.
Apply appropriate postoperative pin care protocols, including cleaning, monitoring, and patient counseling.
Differentiate between stages of pin tract infection and select suitable management strategies, from local care to surgical intervention.