A Comparison of Various Contemporary Methods to Prevent a Wet Cast

McDowell, M.D.; Nguyen, Shawn; Schlechter, John A.

doi:10.2106/jbjs.m.00203

Cited by 11 publications

(7 citation statements)

References 9 publications

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“…Two of the eight reported wet casts led to unexpected cast changes (2.3%) in our study versus 5.3% in a pediatric population as observed in a previous study by Dipaola et al 1 Given the frequency of wet casts as a complication, including specific simple cost-effective methods of preventing wet casts as part of the QR code information may be beneficial. 2 , 12 As there was a decrease in wet cast–related issues and unexpected cast changes compared with the study fo Dipaola, the use of a QR code may be beneficial for providing pediatric cast care instructions compared with written instructions.…”

Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Application of a Quick Response Code as an Alternative Method to Provide Pediatric Cast Care Instructions

et al. 2020

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Background: There is a growing need to improve patient education for nonsurgical fracture care in children. A Quick Response (QR) code was used as an alternative method to provide cast care instructions in our outpatient fracture clinic. We evaluated satisfaction and examined the convenience and impact this might have on the child's casting experience. Methods: A prospective study was conducted in which QR codes were embedded in the casting of nonsurgical pediatric fractures in 88 children. The number of times the QR code was scanned, who scanned the code, treatment satisfaction, cast-related issues, and whether scan helped prevent a call to the treating physician were recorded. Results: Google Analytics showed the QR code was scanned an average of 1.6 times by 60 participants with most scans done by a parent (65%). Seventy-nine participants (89.9%) found it useful to have the QR code on their cast, and 65 (73.9%) were “very satisfied” with the convenience of the QR code and 37 stated that the information they found kept them from contacting the physician. Discussion: We demonstrated that the use of QR codes for nonsurgical pediatric fracture care has a high level of satisfaction and may reduce calls to the treating physician.

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Section: Discussionmentioning

confidence: 93%

Application of a Quick Response Code as an Alternative Method to Provide Pediatric Cast Care Instructions

et al. 2020

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“…The protected cast were then fully submerged under water for 2 minutes. Two minutes was chosen based on previous research that analyzed water absorption prevention in casts 8 . After submersion, the cover was removed, the tape was removed and the cast by itself was reweighed.…”

Section: Methodsmentioning

confidence: 99%

“…Two minutes was chosen based on previous research that analyzed water absorption prevention in casts. 8 After submersion, the cover was removed, the tape was removed and the cast by itself was reweighed. The unprotected cast was then submerged completely without any protection for 2 minutes and its fully saturated weight was recorded.…”

Section: Application Of Cast Covermentioning

confidence: 99%

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Efficacy of DIY Cast Covers: An In Vivo Study

Udall,

Zimmerman,

Bast

et al. 2023

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

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Background: Casting is routinely used in orthopaedics. Preventing a wet cast is crucial for maintaining structural integrity and reducing unwanted complications like unnecessary skin irritation/ulceration, bacterial overgrowth, and unnecessary emergency department visits. Using experimental models, studies have tested various contemporary methods to prevent a wet cast. One such study found that in comparison the most effective and cost-conscious approach was to use a Do-It-Yourself cast cover using a double-bag technique sealed with tape. There is a paucity of literature on the utility of this technique in vivo. The purpose of this study was to investigate the efficacy of the Do-It-Yourself cast cover on human test subjects. Methods: Ten volunteers for the study were obtained. Each received one short arm cast and one short leg cast. Each cast was removed after they were deemed dry. These casts were subsequently weighed until they achieved a stable weight. Each cast was then reapplied to the subject’s arm and held together with Scotch tape. A trash bag was then applied around the cast and then secured with Duct tape to the skin. This was repeated to create a double seal. These covered, reapplied casts were submerged under water for 2 minutes. After submersion, the cover was removed, and the cast was reweighed. The casts were then submerged completely without any protection for 2 minutes and their fully saturated weight was recorded. Efficacy was determined by comparing the postsubmersion and full-submersion weights. Data was analyzed using the Mann-Whitney test. Results: The percentage of water absorption prevention ranged from 96.8% to 99.9%, with an average of 99.6% across the entire study sample (P<0.0001). No adverse effects were reported. Conclusion: Our findings conclude that the double-bag with Duct-tape method is effective at preventing external water absorption. This in vivo study demonstrates that almost all external water absorption can be prevented using this simple and inexpensive technique. Level of Evidence: Level II, prospective comparative study.

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“…McDowell et al[ 30 ] compared these various methods on their effectiveness in preventing water absorption when applied to a cast. In addition, they also evaluated the most cost effective method.…”

Section: Preventing a Wet Castmentioning

confidence: 99%

Casting: Pearls and pitfalls learned while caring for children’s fractures

Nguyen¹,

McDowell²,

Schlechter³

2016

WJO

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Casting is a routine procedure used for fracture care in the pediatric population. The purpose of this review is to provide pearls and pitfalls that our institution has learned from previous literature. When applying the cast, we recommend using cotton padding for the liner and fiberglass or plaster depending on how much swelling is expected. A well-molded cast must be applied in order to prevent further fracture displacement. Cast valving is a valuable technique that allows a decrease in pressure which prevents discomfort and complications like compartment syndrome. Preventing thermal injuries, skin complications, and a wet cast are other important considerations when caring for casts. Appropriate use of a cast saw, avoiding pressure spots, and properly covering the cast are ways to respectively prevent those complications. Lastly, patient education remains one of the most valuable tools in ensuring proper cast maintenance.

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A Comparison of Various Contemporary Methods to Prevent a Wet Cast

Cited by 11 publications

References 9 publications

Application of a Quick Response Code as an Alternative Method to Provide Pediatric Cast Care Instructions

Application of a Quick Response Code as an Alternative Method to Provide Pediatric Cast Care Instructions

Efficacy of DIY Cast Covers: An In Vivo Study

Casting: Pearls and pitfalls learned while caring for children’s fractures

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