Pin-tract myiasis after external bone fixation: A case report and review of literature

INTRODUCTION AND IMPORTANCE: Myiasis has been reported as a complication of fracture treatment with external fixation. Therefore, physicians should be aware of the possible re-emergence of myiasis as a complication of surgery and the use of metal fixators. CLINICAL PRESENTATION: A 45-year-old male, non-diabetic, chronic alcoholic treated with external bone fixation and flap coverage for Gustilo-Anderson type IIIB comminuted fracture of shaft of left tibia and fibula with intact distal neuro-vascular system presented with multiple maggots with foul-smelling discharge from the pin tract. A diagnosis of abscess with pin-tract myiasis was made and managed with wound debridement and complete removal of maggots. CONCLUSION: We report this rare pin-tract complication to acknowledge how simple precautions, wound care, and avoidance of risk factors play a vital role in preventing such infestations. Therefore, physicians should be aware of the possible re-emergence of myiasis as a complication of surgery and the use of metal fixators.