Objective: To systematically evaluate the clinical efficacy of chlorhexidine in preventing pin-site infections among adult patients undergoing external fixation. Methods: Computer searches were conducted on China National Knowledge Infrastructure, Wanfang Database, VIP Database, China Biomedical Literature Database, PubMed, Web of Science, Embase, Cochrane Library and CINAHL for randomized controlled trials and quasi-experimental studies on the use of chlorhexidine for pin-site disinfection in adult patients with external fixation. The search period was from the establishment of the database to January 2024. Two independent researchers executed systematic literature screening, data extraction, and methodological quality assessment using standardized tools. Statistical analyses were conducted with RevMan 5.4 software, incorporating heterogeneity tests. Results: The systematic review incorporated seven studies, comprising 4 randomized controlled trials(RCTs) and 3 quasi-experimental studies, with a total cohort of 972 participants [experimental group(n=494) treated with chlorhexidine; control group(n=478) receiving physiological saline, povidone-iodine, 75% ethanol, or alternative regimens]. Meta analysis revealed a statistically significant reduction in pin-site infection incidence associated with chlorhexidine use[OR=0.65(0.50–0.85),P=0.001]. Conclusion: Chlorhexidine is more effective in preventing pin-site infection in adult patients with external fixation than other disinfectants. |