Metal Pins Research Paper

Introduction
Some surgical procedures require the use of metal pins to hold bones in place while they heal. The type of pins, the number of pins, and the length of time you will have the pins in place vary depending on the type of surgery you had. In some cases, the pins will stick out of your skin until they are removed. These pins require special care. They need to stay clean to prevent infection around the pin or in your bone.
What are the risks?
Generally, the use of these surgical pins is safe. However, problems may occur, including:
Pain or redness at the surgical site.
Infection around the pin and in your bone, especially in cases where the pins stick out of the skin.
Supplies needed:
Hydrogen peroxide.
Saline solution.
Germfree (sterile)
How to care for your pin site
Clean your pins and pin sites twice a day, or as often as told by your health care provider. To clean the pin sites, follow these steps:
Wash your hands carefully with antibacterial soap.
Mix equal amounts of hydrogen peroxide and saline solution in a sterile container to make a cleaning solution.
If you have a bandage (dressing) over the pin site, gently remove it and throw it away.
Dip a cotton swab in the cleaning solution.
Using the cotton swab, clean around the base of the pin where it meets your skin. Using a circular motion, start at the pin and move outward.
If your skin has moved up onto the pin, gently push your skin back down. Remove any crust that has formed on the pin.
After you have cleaned the base of the pin, clean the rest of the pin.
Clean each pin site using a clean cotton swab for each pin.
Dry each pin site with a clean cotton swab.
If directed by your health care provider, secure new sterile gauze around the pins with medical tape.
Check your pin site every day. If you notice any signs of infection, call your health care provider right away. Signs of infection include:
Swelling or hardness around the site.
Increased pain around the