Published in:
Open Access 01-12-2018 | Original Article
Unicortical self-drilling external fixator pins reduce thermal effects during pin insertion
Published in: European Journal of Trauma and Emergency Surgery | Issue 6/2018
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Introduction
External fixation is associated with the risk of pin loosening and pin infection potentially associated to thermal bone necrosis during pin insertion.
Objective
This study aims to investigate if the use of external fixator systems with unicortical pins reduces the heat production during pin insertion compared to fixators with bicortical pins.
Methods
Porcine bone specimens were employed to determine bone temperatures during insertion of fixator pins. Two thermographic cameras were used for a simultaneous temperature measurement on the bone surface (top view) and a bone cross-section (front view). Self-drilling unicortical and bicortical pins were inserted at different rotational speeds: (30–600) rpm. Maximum and mean temperatures of the emerging bone debris, bone surface and bone cross-section were analyzed.
Results
Maximum temperatures of up to 77 ± 26 °C were measured during pin insertion in the emerging debris and up to 42 ± 2 °C on the bone surface. Temperatures of the emerging debris increased with increasing rotational speeds. Bicortical pin insertion generated significantly higher temperatures at low insertion speed (30 rpm)
Conclusion
The insertion of external fixator pins can generate a considerable amount of heat around the pins, primarily emerging from bone debris and at higher insertion speeds. Our findings suggest that unicortical, self-drilling fixator pins have a decreased risk for thermal damage, both to the surrounding tissue and to the bone itself.