We found a high rate of local wound complications around external fixation pin sites; however, most complications were minor and could be observed or treated with oral antibiotics. The prevalence of these complications was not decreased in association with the use of hydrogen peroxide wound care or chlorhexidine-impregnated dressings. On the basis of these results, we do not recommend additional wound care beyond the use of dry, sterile dressings for pin-track care after external fixation for the treatment of distal radial fractures.

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The accuracy of measuring angulation of stable proximal humerus fractures using the axillary lateral projection was investigated. A closing wedge osteotomy with apex anterior angulation was performed on two cadaveric humeri to simulate a stable surgical neck fracture. One specimen was fixed at 30° angulation and the other at 55°. Axillary radiographs were taken with each specimen articulating with the glenoid of a cadaveric scapula. The humerus was held in neutral rotation. Abduction was set at 30°, 60°, and 90°. In each position of abduction, an axillary lateral radiograph was taken in 30° forward flexion, neutral, and 30° extension to simulate various arm positions. A total of nine radiographs were taken for each specimen. The axillary view is not accurate for measurement of proximal humerus angulation at the arm positions commonly encountered in the trauma setting.

No abstract