Intramedullary Pin (IM Pin) Specification, Uses, Sizes and Surgical Techniques.
Intramedullary Pin (IM Pin) is a thin metal rod commonly used in orthopedic procedures for holding large bone fractures together. These pins function similarly to K Wire, but are larger in diameter.
Intramedullary Pins are available in various Types, lengths and diameters.
Types: Single Trocar, Double Trocar, Single Trocar Threaded, Trocar & Threaded, Centre Threaded
Diameters: 1mm, 2mm, 2.5mm, 3mm, 3.5mm, 4mm, 4.5mm, 5mm, 5.5mm, 6mm, 6.5mm, 7mm and 8 mm
Lengths: 100 mm to 250 mm
Intramedullary Pin (IM Pin) Specification
Intramedullary Pin (IM Pin) insertion remains the most commonly performed procedure in orthopaedic practice. Although its use for definitive fracture treatment has steadily declined due to advent of newer implants and devices, it still finds application in treatment in fractures suffered by medically unfit and paediatric patients and for providing interim traction in almost all lower limb injuries as well as hip and knee pathologies.
Upper tibial Steinman pin insertion is required for most fractures around the hip joint and the femur. The insertion of a Steinman pin is a relatively safe procedure if the basic principles of insertion are adhered to. Complications like infection and pin loosening are quite common especially if the pins are retained for longer duration, which is rarely the scenario these days. Besides other complications like damage to ligaments & growth plate, pin cut through, major complications do occur like deep peroneal nerve palsy leading to foot drop, growth plate damage in children and pseudoaneurysm of anterior tibial artery.