Three-dimensional analysis of the gap space under forearm casts.
10.1016/j.cjtee.2021.05.007
- Author:
Roman WIRTZ
1
;
Silvia PIANIGIANI
2
;
Bernardo INNOCENTI
2
;
Frédéric SCHUIND
3
Author Information
1. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Hospitalo-Facultaire Erasme, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium. Electronic address: roman.wirtz@vivalia.be.
2. BEAMS Department, Université Libre de Bruxelles, École Polytechnique de Bruxelles, 1050, Bruxelles, Belgium.
3. Department of Orthopaedics and Traumatology, Université Libre de Bruxelles, Campus Hospitalo-Facultaire Erasme, 1070, Bruxelles, Belgium.
- Publication Type:Journal Article
- Keywords:
Conservative treatment;
Forearm;
Gap space;
Radius fractures;
Wrist casts
- MeSH:
Casts, Surgical;
Forearm;
Humans;
Radius;
Radius Fractures/therapy*;
Wrist Joint
- From:
Chinese Journal of Traumatology
2022;25(2):77-82
- CountryChina
- Language:English
-
Abstract:
PURPOSE:Secondary displacement represents a frequent complication of conservative treatment of fractures, particularly of the distal radius. The gap space between skin and cast may lead to a certain degree movements and this increased mobility might favor redisplacement. The aim of this study was to develop a new 3D method, to measure the gap space in all 3 geometrical planes, and to validate this new technique in a clinical setting of distal radius fractures.
METHODS:This study applies 3D imaging to measure the space between plaster and skin as a potential factor of secondary displacement and therefore the failure of conservative treatment. We developed and validated a new methodology to analyze and compare different forearm casts made of plaster of Paris and fiberglass. An unpaired t-test was performed to document differences between the investigated parameters between plaster of Paris and fiberglass casts. The significance level was set at p < 0.05.
RESULTS:In a series of 15 cases, we found the width of the gap space to average 4 mm, being slightly inferior on the radial side. Comparing the two different casting materials, plaster of Paris and fiberglass, we found a significantly larger variance of space under casts made of the first material (p=0.39). A roughness analysis showed also a markedly significantly higher irregularity of the undersurface of plaster of Paris as compared with fiberglass.
CONCLUSION:This study allows for a better understanding of the nature of the "gap space" between cast and skin and will contribute to develop and improve new immobilization techniques and materials.
