Treatment of broken legs before and after the introduction of gypsum

Gypsum or plaster-of-Paris has given long and efficient service in the management of fractures of the leg, and in spite of the recent introduction of a variety of synthetic materials (Hunt, 1980) it remains the most commonly used splintage material. Plaster-of-Paris bandages can compete successfully with synthetic ones because of their convenience and easy use notwithstanding the superior strength, shorter curing time, water resistance, and radiotranslucence of the synthetics. However, Orthoplast in sheet form is a very satisfactory material for forming the tibial cast brace while synthetic bandages with plastic flexible hinges are advantageous for femoral cast bracing. Nowadays, in fact, plaster-of-Paris has been supplanted to some extent. A review of the methods of fracture splintage that were used before the introduction of gypsum helps to provide a perspective of the merits of this material, whose properties and availability have been taken for granted for more than a hundred years.     

When should a synthetic casting material be used in preference to plaster-of-Paris? A cost analysis and guidance for casting departments

An accurate cost analysis of the use of one of the new synthetic casting materials (Cellacast) compared with plaster-of-Paris (Gypsona) was undertaken over a 3-month period in the fracture clinic of Cardiff Royal Infirmary. The mean duration of usage before failure for synthetic forearm, scaphoid and below-knee casts was found to be approximately twice that of plaster casts. The use of synthetic casting materials was found to be cost-effective in situations where there was thought to be a high probability that structural failure of the cast would occur. Guidelines for the use of plaster-of-Paris and synthetic casting materials are presented.     

Minimalistic approach to treating wrist torus fractures

Thirty-three patients with unilateral wrist torus fractures were reviewed retrospectively. Patients were all treated with a removable plaster-of-Paris volar forearm splint and a symptom-based splinting protocol. This protocol emphasized the parents and patients deciding when to wean from the splint as their symptoms improved. Patients were followed about 4 weeks after fracture, and initial and follow-up radiographs were compared for any changes in fracture angulation. All of the fractures healed without significant clinical change in angulation or complications. The authors propose the following treatment protocol: radiographic diagnosis and application of the removable splint in the emergency department, and one orthopaedic office/clinic visit to confirm the diagnosis and provide splinting instructions. The elimination of the additional orthopaedic visit for repeat radiographs and cast removal reduces the family's time lost from school and work and the physician's time and costs.     

The Correction of Systematic Error due to Plaster and Fiberglass Casts on HR-pQCT Bone Parameters Measured In Vivo at the Distal Radius

Due to difficulty assessing healing of distal radius fractures using conventional radiography, there is interest in using high resolution peripheral quantitative computed tomography (HR-pQCT) to track healing at the microarchitectural level. Unfortunately, the plaster-of-Paris and fiberglass casts used to immobilize fractures affect HR-pQCT measurements due to beam hardening, and increased noise. The challenge is compounded because casts have variable thickness, and an individual patient will often have their cast changed 2–3 times during the course of treatment. This study quantifies the effect of casts within a clinically relevant range of thicknesses on measured bone parameters at the distal radius, and establishes conversion equations to correct for systematic error in due to cast presence. Eighteen nonfractured participants were scanned by HR-pQCT in three conditions: no cast, plaster-of-Paris cast, and fiberglass cast. Measured parameters were compared between the baseline scan (no cast) and each cast scan to evaluate if systematic error exists due to cast presence. A linear regression model was used to determine an appropriate conversion for parameters that were found to have systematic error. Plaster-of-Paris casts had a greater range of thicknesses (3.2–9.5 mm) than the fiberglass casts (3.0–5.4 mm), and induced a greater magnitude of systematic error overall. Key parameters of interest were bone mineral density (total, cortical, and trabecular) and trabecular bone volume fraction, all of which were found to have systematic error due to presence of either cast type. Linear correlations between baseline and cast scans for these parameters were excellent (R² > 0.98), and appropriate conversions could be determined within a margin of error less than a ±6% for the plaster-of-Paris cast, and ±4% for the fiberglass cast. We have demonstrated the effects of cast presence on bone microarchitecture measurements, and presented a method to correct for systematic error, in support of future use of HR-pQCT to study fracture healing.     

Heat generation in plaster-of-paris and resulting hand burns

Four female pupils at a technical school received hand burns while trying to make moulds of their hands using a dental plaster instead of ordinary plaster-of-Paris. In three cases the burns were so severe that several fingers had to be amputated due to irreversible tissue damage. The severity of the burns is explained on the basis of an experimental study where it was demonstrated that the temperature of hardening dental plaster rose to 70 °C and had a hardness that was 10-times greater than ordinary plaster-of-Paris.This should serve as a warning against the use of dental plaster in direct casting of living tissue. However, the technique used here is also considered dangerous, as ordinary plaster-of-Paris under certain circumstances could also cause severe burns.     

Plastering: a combination of old and new

This study compares the standard plaster-of-Paris cast (Gypsona) with a combination case consisting of plaster-of-Paris covered with a double layer of a polymer casting bandage (Baycast). Thirteen subjects were studied. Each wore concurrently a standard plaster on one leg and a combination plaster on the other. Weight bearing was commenced immediately after application and continued for 8 hours, when they were removed for examination. All the standard plasters cracked, but only one of the combination plasters, and this was due to a technical error.     

Functional splinting of upper limb injuries with gauze-based topical negative pressure wound therapy

Complex hand injuries can be difficult to dress effectively and achieve adequate splintage of the hand in a functional position. During the past 7 years, we have had a great deal of success with topical negative-pressure dressings in the management of complex blast-related extremity war injuries. We have more recently changed to using a gauze-based system and have found this particularly useful in dressing complex hand injuries. We have been able to use this vacuum dressing system to splint the hand in a position of function. This provides an easily applied dressing that, through topical negative pressure, promotes wound healing and ensures a resting functional position, thus minimizing postoperative stiffness. We have not been able to achieve this as efficiently with standard dressings and plaster-of-Paris casts. This article details the technique of functional splinting of complex hand injuries using a gauze-based, topical negative-pressure dressing system.     

Accurate determination of cast weight for neonates with clubfoot

The purpose of this study was to determine changes in cast weight during the first 48 hours after application so that the true weight of a neonate can be estimated without the need for removing the cast. Five types of cast materials were compared. Cast weight measurements were obtained before and after application and at intervals during 48 hours. Final cast weight averaged 107.5% of dry weight for plaster and 99% of dry weight for synthetic cast materials. For very low birth weight infants, the difference between the initial wet weight of plaster of Paris and its final dry weight may be significant for calculating drug and fluid dosages. The weight of an infant can now be calculated without the necessity of cast removal.     

Biomechanical assessment of gait in below-knee walking casts.

The introduction of modern synthetic casting bandages for splinting of fractures and soft tissue injuries has allowed the development of new casting techniques. Casts can be constructed with a greater degree of function so that controlled motion and stabilisation can be provided within the same cast. This study has shown that a very efficient gait can be achieved with modern synthetic bandages, if they are correctly applied. The authors have compared the gait of volunteer subjects fitted respectively with below-knee walking casts constructed from a rigid glass fibre bandage and a flexible glass fibre bandage which is reinforced. These casts were wrapped so that minimal amounts of bandage were used whilst appropriate strength and stiffness was provided. The temporal and spatial factors of cast gait were not statistically different from normal gait. The cast gait was found to be slightly more asymmetrical (dominant versus non-dominant leg) when a cast was worn and there was also a greater Physiological Cost Index (PCI). The flexible bandage has some advantages compared with the rigid bandage as normal footwear can be worn, the casts are more comfortable and they could be removed with shears, obviating the need for a power saw.     

New splinting materials

Plaster of Paris (P.o.P.) bandage has been the pre-eminent external splinting material for over 150 years and from time to time synthetic alternatives have been tried. So far none has seriously challenged the dominance of P.o.P. as a primary or secondary material in the management of fractures. The recent introduction of Polyurethane coated fibreglass bandage appears to offer a more serious challenge than previous contenders. This technical note reviews bandage type splinting materials and explains some of the properties of the PU materials.     

Early weight bearing in the treatment of fractures of the tibia

The paper describes a simple and effective practical method of dealing with the fractures of the tibia by means of a long-leg walking plaster-of-Paris cast. The results are assessed in a series of 44 patients, 28 of whom were treated by early weight bearing, while the remaining 16 were treated by traditional closed methods. A simple system of grading tibial fractures is described in order to facilitate valid comparisons. The results conclusively show that the early weight bearing regime results in the fractures uniting in half the time of the late weight bearing series. Details of two cases in each grade of the early weight bearing series are given.     

Long-term functional results of prosthetic airway splinting in tracheomalacia and bronchomalacia

The long-term functional results of splinting a collapsing major airway with a silastic Marlex mesh prosthesis were assessed. Six patients in whom follow-up has been longer than 4 years (mean 5.3 years) were studied. The prosthetic semirigid splints had been implanted in five children with tracheomalacia and one with bronchomalacia. Mean age at the time of airway splinting was 4 years (range 6 months to 8 years). At their last clinical evaluation, all six children were leading normal active lives. Three had mild respiratory symptoms not related to the splinting. The only long-term complication was a serous effusion that developed around the splint and compressed the trachea in one child 2 years postoperatively. Tracheal fluoroscopy, barium swallow, and computed tomography scans of the trachea in five patients demonstrated satisfactory tracheal caliber without airway collapse during expiration and coughing. Pulmonary function testing showed a mild increase in airway resistance in one child who had had a tracheostomy. These results demonstrate that the application of composite synthetic graft to a segment of a malacic airway in young patients can provide long-term relief from airway collapse without compromising airway growth.     

Comparison of range-of-motion constraints provided by splints used in the treatment of cubital tunnel syndrome--a pilot study.

Nocturnal splinting of the elbow is commonly used to treat cubital tunnel syndrome (CBTS). Rationales are based on several studies, which suggest that proper nocturnal positioning of the elbow during sleep contributes to decreased cubital tunnel symptoms. Currently there is limited scientific evidence supporting the rationale for specific splinting protocols. Splints may be custom or prefabricated. The purpose of this article is to assess the range-of-motion constraints of five nighttime elbow orthoses commonly used in the treatment of CBTS. This preliminary study was conducted using a cadaveric model, using three arms to represent three human arm sizes, and compared five different splints, and no splint. Range-of-motion testing was performed using gravity alone and then testing was repeated using gravity plus a 1-pound weight in a standardized fashion. Results showed that all splints restricted elbow flexion significantly more than the unsplinted extremity. Of the five splints, the AliMed splint allowed the most elbow flexion both in the gravity assisted, and gravity plus a 1-pound weight assisted conditions. The only splint that restricted elbow extension was the Hely & Weber splint. The Pil-O-Splint Elbow Support with stay, Hely & Weber and the Folded Towel all restricted elbow flexion to less than 90 degrees under all study conditions. The information provided may be helpful in making clinical decisions regarding splinting for CBTS.     

Hybrid casts: a comparison of different casting materials.

Casting and splinting materials used in orthopedics have historically consisted of plaster of Paris and, more recently, fiberglass. Plaster is cost-effective and malleable enough to help to hold reductions. Fiberglass is stronger and lighter, but more expensive. The hybrid cast of plaster and fiberglass optimizes the advantages of both materials in fracture management; it is sufficiently strong, yet still cost-effective.     

Simple treatment for torus fractures of the distal radius.

Torus (buckle) fractures of the distal radius are common in childhood. Based on the results of a postal questionnaire and a prospective, randomised trial, we describe a simple treatment for this injury, which saves both time and money. Over a six-month period, we randomised 201 consecutive patients with this injury to treatment with either a traditional forearm plaster-of-Paris cast or a 'Futura-type' wrist splint. All patients were treated for a period of three weeks, followed by clinical and radiological review. There was no difference in outcome between the two groups, and all patients had a good result. Only one patient did not tolerate the splint which was replaced by a cast. The questionnaire showed a marked variation in the way in which these injuries are treated with regard to the method and period of immobilisation, the number of follow-up visits and radiographs taken. We suggest that a 'Futura-type' wrist splint can be used to treat these fractures. The patient should be reviewed on the following day to confirm the diagnosis and to give appropriate advice. There is no evidence that further follow-up is required. This simple treatment has major benefits in terms of cost and reduction of the number of attendances.     

Hiatal hernia repair with the use of biologic meshes: a literature review

During the past few years, biologic meshes, primarily evolved for routine and complex cases of abdominal wall reconstruction, have been evaluated in clinical cases and experimental models. Although there is published experience on the use of small intestine submucosa and human cadaveric dermis in hiatal hernia repair with encouraging results, porcine dermal collagen (PDC) matrix has not been subject of study to date in this patient population. A systematic review of the literature was conducted, aiming at evaluating the biomechanical characteristics of cross-linked PDC in comparison to synthetic and biologic meshes. Evidence shows that cross-linked PDC is superior to synthetic meshes in terms of incorporation, adhesion formation, and mesh fibrosis; their biodynamic and biotechnical characteristics do not seem to be superior to other bioprosthetic materials according to current data. The clinical and experimental results of cross-linked PDC implants justify their pilot clinical evaluation in hiatal hernia patients.     

Electrophysiologic basis of dynamic extensor splinting.

The use of dynamic extension splinting in the rehabilitation of extensor tendon injuries is gaining interest because of its apparent ability to improve clinical results. With such splinting, the extensor musculature is theoretically quiescent during both active flexion and rubber band-mediated extension; the gliding produced thereby decreases adhesion formation. Our initial intent was to perform electromyographic studies on volunteers in dynamic extension splinting to test this electrophysiologic principle. It was found, however, that only 16% of normal volunteers have quiescent extensor digitorum communis muscle activity within the dynamic extension splint typically used in this type of rehabilitation. A second splint was developed with a dorsal hood to keep the metacarpophalangeal joints in approximately 15 degrees of flexion. In this splint, 18 of 19 volunteers (95%) showed no extensor activity. The explanation for this phenomenon is not yet clear, but it shows that splint design plays a more significant role than previously expected. The expected electrophysiologic principle of dynamic extension splinting for extensor tendon injuries has been validated, but only in a splint design that is not commonly used.     

Alternative materials to acrylic bone cement for delivery of depot antibiotics in orthopaedic infections

Acrylic bone cement has considerable laboratory and clinical data validating it as a delivery material for depot administration of antibiotics. However, an alternate material that does not require a secondary procedure for removal is desired. Many biodegradable materials have been evaluated as alternatives including protein-based materials (collagen, fibrin, thrombin, clotted blood), bone-graft, bone-graft substitutes and extenders (hydroxyapatite, beta-tricalcium phosphate, calcium sulfate, bioglass), and synthetic polymers (polyhanhydride, polylactide, polyglycolide, polyhydroxybutyrate-co-hydroxyvalerate, polyhydroxyalkanoate). Various forms and combinations of these materials have been investigated worldwide, characterizing their elution properties and performance in treating osteomyelitis in animal models. Many of these have had limited clinical evaluation. Outside the United States, some of these materials are used clinically. In the United States, none have been approved. None are commercially available for clinical use. Morselized cancellous bone and calcium sulfate are the two materials that have been used clinically in the United States on a physician-prescribed, hand-mixed, basis. Considering the limited clinical data that currently are available, the use of these materials still is experimental. Clinical application should be cautious, limiting the total antibiotic load. Until definitive data are available, a prudent dose would be no higher than one that would have acceptable toxicity risk if administered intravenously over 24 hours.     

Walking boot design: a gait analysis study.

This study investigated the effect of various short-leg walking boot designs on walking. Four commercially available walking boots and a synthetic walking cast were tested using three-dimensional gait analysis to determine their effect on a normal individual's gait pattern. Temporal-spatial parameters and lower limb kinematics and kinetics were analyzed for 10 normal subjects. The synthetic walking cast was the most different when compared with the shoe condition with respect to the all parameters tested. The Bledsoe walking boot was the only boot that was not significantly different from the shoe condition for all parameters tested.     

Buoyancy of synthetic cast and its implications to young patients

One of the authors' young patients suffered near-drowning while being treated with a synthetic below-knee cast, and this intrigued them into examining the buoyancy of waterproof casts and their use in small children. Synthetic and fiberglass casts were fabricated and subjected to immersion testing using lead pellets. Fiberglass casts sank immediately, while synthetic casts stayed afloat. With the addition of weights averaging 221 g, the synthetic casts finally sank. When supine, the casts stayed afloat with more weights. This study shows that synthetic liners are buoyant. Although the weight necessary to sink the casts was small, the weights were lead pellets, which is different from a human limb. Enhanced buoyancy of synthetic casts may pose a potential danger to a small child when not properly supervised in water. The initial buoyant force may be too startling and may place them at a higher risk for near-drowning.