External Fixator and Halo Pin Care
Pin Care for Halo and External Fixator
- Wash hands. Gloves must be used. Prepare a clean work surface.
- Using sterile swabs with a solution of 1/2-hydrogen peroxide and 1/2-normal saline; pull back the skin around the pins and clean vigorously 2 times a day. (You should use approximately 1 teaspoonful (5cc) of normal saline and hydrogen peroxide).
- Wrap normal saline moistened gauze sponges around the base of the pin.
- Please call the orthopaedic nurse if there is excessive redness, swelling, increased drainage, or fever over 101.5 degrees Fahrenheit.
Halo, Gardner-Wells Tongs
- Shampoo hair daily, if needed, or at least every other day using regular shampoo or alternate with Phisoderm" to reduce bacteria.
- Check head position. If there is head movement around the pins a nurse should be notified.
- Carry out routine skin care if in a cast or brace. (Find more information about Cast Care). Follow the instructions for skin care on the Cast Care page.
NOTE: A non-sterile solution of normal saline can be prepared by boiling 1 quart of water with 1 tablespoon of salt.
Contact Us
If you need to reach the Orthopaedic Nurse before 4 pm, Monday through Friday, please call 513-636-4567. After 4 pm, and during weekends and holidays, please call 513-636-4200 and ask that the Orthopaedic Resident on call be paged.
For additional information on this or any Health Topic, please call the Family Resource Center, 513-636-7606, or your pediatrician.
PEP 6011 VI 11/92
rev. 6/03, 3/05, 10/06
