DOS 2018

274 · DOS Abstracts Prospective evaluation of pinsite infections in ring fixation utilizing a novel tool in the outpatient clinic Jan Duedal Rölfing, Arnar Oskar Bjarnison, Anne Stensbjerg, Juozas Petruskevicius Traumatology and Reconstructive Surgery Unit, Department of Orthopaedics, Aarhus University Hospital Background: Superficial pinsite infection is common in ring fixation in trauma, limb lengthening and deformity surgery. Checketts and Otterburn (CO) suggest classification in type CO1-3 minor infections necessitating improved pinsite care, oral antibiotics, and wire/pin removal, respectively; and in type CO4- 6 major infections calling for abandonment of the frame. Purpose / Aim of Study: We developed a paper-based registration tool in order to: (1) evaluate pinsite infections prospectively and (2) provide a concise overview over the frame’s history incl. operations and infections. Materials and Methods: Prospective cohort study evaluating pinsite infection and feasibility of the novel tool in 19 trauma and limb deformity patients (pts.) treated with a tibia ring fixator extending to the femur in 3 and foot in 4 cases. Median age: 56 (12-88) years; median follow-up from surgery: 41 (13-169) days; 11 : 8 . Findings / Results: 9/19 pts. were infected: 6 pts. CO1-2 requiring oral anti- biotics, 2 pts. CO3 demanding wire removal/replacement and 1 pt. CO5 result- ing in amputation. The median age of infected and uninfected patients was 65 vs. 51 years (p=0.4). All femur rings had CO1-2. In the tibia infection was pre- dominantly localized at wires in the proximal 25% rather than wires or half pins elsewhere (p<0.05). Interestingly, nearly no infections were recorded close to the ankle or foot plate. The tool was deemed feasible and easy to use. Especially the instant and concise overview of the frame’s history including all operations and infection was highly appreciated. Conclusions: We report pinsite infection rates in ring fixation consisted with the extant literature. The registration tool helped to ease communication and workflow in the outpatient clinic and to choose the treatment protocol by pro- viding an overview of pinsite status, use of antibiotics and operations. 215.