“Pin in my finger”
I have a pin in my right index finger (my dog broke it!). Does the pin ever come loose?
12 Answers
Pins may become loose but this doesn’t happen often. By keeping the area where the pin exits the skin protected, clean and dry, the pin should last for 4-6 weeks, ie the usual time before the pin is removed
Yes, pins can loosen prior to desired time for removal. Pin care is very important. If the pin is loose contact your surgeon as it may be infected and you may have lost your reduction.
Sometimes the pins will work loose. This usually causes pain. If there is no pain I would not worry about the pin.
It depends on how the pin was placed. If part of the pin is exposed, then it is often removed at 4-6 weeks following the surgery. If it isn't, it can stay in for longer. If the surgeon used a screw, it can stay in as long as it doesn't bother you.
Pins can come loose if bone stock is poor or they are left in too long. Most pins in fingers are left in for 4-6 weeks, rarely ever longer than that.
Good afternoon,
It is not typical for a pin to come loose, but if you are concerned, it would be best to have it checked.
It is not typical for a pin to come loose, but if you are concerned, it would be best to have it checked.
Yes, you need to be careful to not accidentally remove the pin. Your surgeon may have given you a splint to minimize this risk.
On occasion, yes.
Yes,
It should be protected, provisionally splinted and kept covered in a clean dry environment to avoid getting a pin site infection. You should keep it protected while the fracture is healing.
Floyd Shon, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Sports, Trauma, Hand/Upper Extremity & Microvascular Surgery
16300 Sand Cyn Ave. #511 Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-2772
It should be protected, provisionally splinted and kept covered in a clean dry environment to avoid getting a pin site infection. You should keep it protected while the fracture is healing.
Floyd Shon, M.D.
Orthopaedic Surgery
Sports, Trauma, Hand/Upper Extremity & Microvascular Surgery
16300 Sand Cyn Ave. #511 Irvine, CA 92618
(949) 855-2772
Its typically only left in for 4-6 weeks. You could even break the pin if you really fell hard on it. It can sometimes "back out" or come slightly loose as well.
It may work it way to the surface in time however, if it is bothersome, I would suggest removing it.
An implanted pin can become loose or infected. However typically long before that occurs pins are removed as the fracture heals. Proper care of the pin and the broken bone is very important postoperatively. Speak to your surgeon SPECIFICALLY to see whether they want you to care for the pin it is is sucking out of the skin and how much ( if any) motion they want you to do of the injured finger while the pin is in.
