Telesurveillance of circular frame pin sites: one year's experience at a specialist unit

Circular frame treatment for limb reconstruction involves repeated follow-up visits, and a substantial number of these appointments are for pin site review only. We have encouraged our frame patients to take photographs of their pin sites when they carry out their weekly dressing changes. The photographs are taken with mobile phones or digital cameras by the patients themselves, and the images sent to us by email. We reply within 24 hours, with either reassurance or appropriate instructions as indicated. In the past 12 months, five patients have had their pin sites reviewed remotely using this method, and have expressed a high level of satisfaction. These early results are encouraging.