Commentary: Antibiotic-coated pins for prevention of pin-tract infection: a rabbit study.

during limb lengthening involving external fixation,1 with an incidence as high as 85%.2 The most appropriate pin-site care is controversial; one study even justifies a nihilistic approach.3 Pin sites near joints are more prone to sepsis, as they are subject to greater movement.4 Minor inflammation or superficial infection is usually treated with antibiotics, local wound care, and occasionally pin removal. Osteomyelitis warrants surgical intervention.5 In this issue, Rahimnia et al.6 used antibioticcoated pins to prevent pin-tract infection in 4 out of 5 rabbits. However, the study sample was small. The results should be corroborated by those of larger randomised controlled studies to negate possible biases. It is uncertain how long antibiotic-coated pins are effective. Silver-coated pins and stainless steel Commentary: Antibiotic-coated pins for prevention of pin-tract infection: a rabbit study