No. A key design feature of these pins was to increase stiffness without changing the pin tract diameter in the bone. As such, the same drill bits used to pre-drill IMEX Interface and Centerface fixation pins are compatible with Duraface half-pins.

There is no reason not to make the switch. The only negative is past history and experience. For example, technicians and nurses preparing surgery packs, without training on “new” pins may continue to consider shaft diameter as the “pin” size and not look at actual bone engagement diameters. This may lead to pack or ordering errors. It may be best to make a clean switch and not mingle Interface and Duraface pins in the same pack.

The SK ESF clamp from IMEX was designed to function over a greater range of pin diameters than other ESF clamps. The SK ESF clamp was also designed to grip any pin style (smooth, positive-profile, and negative-profile) effectively. Most other ESF clamps have a much smaller range of pin choices. Clamps that have pin diameter ranges compatible with certain Duraface half-pins will hold these pins; however, it is likely the surgeon using non-SK clamps will not have as great a pin diameter choice as with the SK ESF clamp by IMEX. This is also true when standard positive-profile pins are used.

Typically, the third and fourth pins placed into an ESF frame are the two pins on each side and closest to the fracture. This is not mandatory; however, it is easier to verify accuracy of reduction and ensures good pin placement. These pins are placed via liberal release incisions and through pre-drilled holes. Placing the SK clamp over the area of soft tissue release, and using the secondary bolt to secure it in perfect alignment for the desired drill hole and pin position ensures correct targeting and pin placement. Next, the appropriate drill sleeve is passed through the primary pin-gripping bolt to protect the soft tissue as the bone is pre-drilled. One must be careful not to crush the thin-walled drill sleeve by tightening the primary pin-gripping bolt more than just enough to hold the sleeve in position. Pre-drilling is performed through the drill sleeve while exercising care not to exert undue pressure on the drill bit. Excess pressure results in drill bit flexing and a sudden “push through” of the drill bit into the opposite soft tissues as it breaks through the bone. The drill sleeve is then removed and low-speed insertion of the fixator pin is performed. After placing pins three and four, recheck reduction and alignment before placing additional pins. Repeat this procedure for as many additional pins as desired.

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