Cutting a Plaster of Paris Cast using Twisted Wire Compared with and Electrical saw a safe, new and cheapness Device

Abstract

Background : Plaster of Paris is a material, used for immobilization when the patients have fractures or muscle injuries or dislocation of the joints. Cast removal will be done after finished treatment. The common tool for removing the plaster of Paris cast is an electrical saw. However, the noise and dust produced during the process of cutting are undesirable and most of the patients are scared of the noise and the moving saw blade of the electrical saw. Moreover, the electrical saw is an expensive tool. New methods to conserve energy and to reduce pollution in the office are proposed. Objective to evaluate the efficacy of a new device, twisted wire, compared with the electrical saw for removing the plaster of Paris cast.

Study design : Non randomized experimental study.

Setting : The outpatient clinic number I at Srinagarind hospital.

Subjects : Sixty patients with fracture and ligamentous injuries of the extremities were included in this study; fifty-three males and seven females. The mean age was 26 years old (15-43 years). The four groups of fifteen patients each consisted of those with; short arm casts, long arm casts, short leg and PTB casts, and long leg and cylindrical casts.

Result : The mean standard deviation of duration for cutting the short arm cast using the electrical saw and twisted wire 10.02 ± 2.15 seconds and 3.00 ± 1.80 seconds respectively (p <.005). The mean and standard deviation of duration for  cutting the long arm cast by using the electrical of duration for cutting the long arm cast by using the electrical saw and twisted wire 17.00 ± 4.35 seconds and 6.10 ± 1.38 seconds respectively (p < .005). The mean standard deviation for cutting the short leg and PTB casts using the electrical saw and the twisted wire were 15.12 ± 2.56 seconds and 5.01 ± 1.65 seconds respectively (p<.005). The mean and standard deviation for cutting the long leg cast using the electrical saw and twisted wire were 58.23 ± 9.86 seconds and 15.35 ± 2.69 seconds respectively (p<.05). The mean and standard deviation to the overall satisfaction of the patients with the electrical saw and twisted wire were 52.25 ± 27.15 and 83.75 ± 9.57 respectively (p<.05).

Conclusion : The twisted wire cutting cast is a new and effective for removing a plaster of Paris cast which is easy to produce and use, safe, cheapness, and noiseless.