Pintrack

Pintrack, more commonly written as pin track or pin tract, is a term used in orthopedics to describe the channel or pathway created by a percutaneous pin or wire as it passes through the skin and into bone. Pins and wires are used in external fixation devices, such as frames and ring fixators, to stabilize fractures, maintain alignment, or enable lengthening and deformity correction. The pin tract itself serves as the entry site for fixation elements and is examined routinely during follow-up for signs of stability and infection.

Pin-track infection is the most frequent complication associated with external fixation. It can present with redness, warmth, tenderness, discharge, or pain at the pin site, and may progress if not addressed. Contributing factors include inadequate pin-site care, prolonged fixation, suboptimal pin insertion technique, and poor skin or soft-tissue conditions around the site. In most cases, superficial infections are managed with local wound care and antisepsis; deeper infections may require systemic antibiotics, pin-site irrigation, or pin removal and replacement if loosening or osteomyelitis is suspected.

Prevention focuses on meticulous pin-site care and proper surgical technique. Practices typically include regular cleaning with saline or antiseptic solutions, keeping dressings clean and dry, monitoring for loosening or migration of pins, and ensuring pins are placed with adequate bicortical purchase while minimizing soft-tissue trauma. Education for patients and caregivers on daily care and early signs of complications is often emphasized.

Pintrack concepts are primarily discussed in orthopedic trauma and limb lengthening contexts, where external fixation remains a common modality. See also external fixators, pin-site care, and pin-track infections.