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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1995; 08(01): 6-13
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1631875
Review Article
Schattauer GmbH

Enhancing External Skeletal Fixation Pin Performance: Consideration of the Pin-Bone Interface

E. M. Clary
1   From the Department of Companion Animals and Special Species, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
,
S. C. Roe
1   From the Department of Companion Animals and Special Species, College of Veterinary Medicine, North Carolina State University, Raleigh, North Carolina, USA
› Author Affiliations
Further Information

Publication History

Received for publication 17 August 1994

Publication Date:
09 February 2018 (online)

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Summary

The integrity of an external skeletal fixator relies heavily on the pin-bone interface (PBI). Investigation of this interface have focused on histological, mechanical, thermal and clinical assessments. In this review the factors which are important for optimizing the strength and longevity of the PBI are presented. Pin design, pin insertion technique, bone quality and tissue response are considered.

External skeletal fixation is used increasingly in human and veterinary orthopaedics. Pin loosening and infection are the primary causes of device failure and patient morbidity. Using several different techniques, researchers have identified a number of factors which affect the integrity of the pin-bone interface. These include pin design, pin insertion technique, initial bone quality and the osseous response to pin implantation and loading.

Keywords

Pin-bone interface - external skeletal fixation - fixation pin performance
 

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