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Biomedical subjects

D Wardlaw

Publications and source records attributed to D Wardlaw.

16 recordsLinked to original sources
PubMed1992

Glass fibre versus non-glass fibre splinting bandages.

We have assessed the current range of synthetic splinting bandages, comparing glass with non-glass fabrics and plaster-of-Paris. Physical and mechanical tests have been carried out and the opinions of patients, volunteers and orthopaedic staff were recorded. Modern bandages have some better properties than standard plaster bandage but do not conform as well, are more expensive and potentially more hazardous. However, non-glass bandages are lighter, less brittle, more radiolucent and less hazardous than glass fibre bandages and are preferred by both patients and applicators.

Attitude to Health↗
PubMed1991

On immediate functional bracing of Colles' fracture.

A prospective randomized trial was carried out in 60 consecutive patients with Colles' fractures requiring manipulation. They were treated by either a standard Colles' plaster (control group) or in a functional plaster brace applied immediately after reduction of the fracture. The brace extended from the proximal radius and ulna to the level of the radial styloid and allowed a full range of movement at the radiocarpal joint. Both groups comprised 30 patients and were matched for age, sex and dominance of hand. There was no significant difference in initial severity of fracture or the quality of reduction. Radiological results on cast removal (35-42 days) were significantly better in the brace group compared with those treated with a below-elbow cast (P less than 0.05). Wrist function was also significantly better in the brace treated group at 12 weeks after fracture (P less than 0.05). This brace has a number of advantages over standard plaster treatment, but requires a degree of skill and experience in its application. A prefabricated brace has now been developed with a similar 'built in' three-point loading which will be easier for inexperienced staff to apply.

Adult↗
PubMed1991

Intracast pressure measurements in Colles' fractures.

Intracast pressures were recorded in conventional plaster-of-Paris below-elbow casts and compared with a new prefabricated brace for the functional treatment of Colles' fractures. Interface pressures were consistently higher in the brace than in the conventional plaster cast throughout the treatment period, and demonstrated more specific loading to the fracture site.

Adolescent↗
PubMed1991

Radiographic assessment of splinting bandages.

The physical attenuation of X-rays by a variety of splinting bandages was measured and compared with the subjective opinion of nine radiologists. The radiolucency of the bandages and their interference with the interpretation of bony detail on radiographs (using a radiographic knee phantom) was assessed. Plaster-of-Paris (POP) bandages produced the greatest attenuation of X-rays and the greatest interference with interpretation of bony detail. All the polyurethane resin impregnated fabric bandages produced less attenuation than POP, but variations occurred due to the fabric type and knit of the bandage. The lowest attenuation occurred in those bandages using cotton, polyester or polypropylene fabric, and in all but one instance these caused least interference in radiographic interpretation. The exception was the polyester bandage, where the coarse knit of the fabric produced a large difference in X-ray beam absorption between the air spaces and the bandage. The distracting mesh pattern on the radiograph interfered with radiographic visualization. The glass fibre bandages caused intermediate attenuation, being better than POP but not as radiolucent as the non-glass fabrics.

Bandages↗
PubMed1991

Modern splinting bandages.

We have assessed the current range of synthetic splinting bandages, using physical and mechanical tests and the subjective opinions of patients, volunteers and orthopaedic staff. Modern bandages have some better properties than standard plaster bandage but do not conform as well, are more expensive, and potentially more hazardous.

Bandages↗
PubMed1988

Flammability of modern synthetic bandages.

The potential fire hazard associated with polyurethane impregnated fibreglass bandages has been investigated. Tests have been carried out in accordance with the most appropriate British Standard (BS5438:1976). Results of these tests show that polyurethane impregnated fibreglass bandages do not represent a serious risk to a wearer as the rate of heat transfer through the casts is sufficiently rapid to alert the wearer of the proximity of a heat source before the cast ignites.

Bandages↗
PubMed1988

Dust emission during cutting of polyurethane-impregnated bandages.

The airborne dust generated when cutting splinting bandages represents a potential respiratory hazard, particularly to those who regularly remove casts with a power saw. Plaster of Paris (POP) dust is already classified by the Health and Safety Executive as a nuisance dust. This paper reports on a study to determine the nature, size and concentration of dust produced when cutting polyurethane (PU) impregnated bandages using a power saw. It has been shown that, under severe conditions PU bandages produce lower airborne dust concentrations than POP bandage but that all of the bandages tested produced particles small enough to reach the final divisions of the lung. It is therefore recommended that a dust extraction unit be used when cutting all types of bandage.

Air Pollutants, Occupational↗
PubMed1987

Mechanical assessment of polyurethane impregnated fibreglass bandages for splinting.

The introduction of polyurethane (PU) resin impregnated fibreglass bandages is likely to have a significant effect on modern orthopaedic practice. The manufacturers of these products claim many improved properties compared to plaster of Paris bandages, such as , high strength to weight ratio, rapid setting time and high radiolucency. This paper reports on a series of mechanical tests designed to assess the strength, flexibility, working time and wear properties of the current range of fibreglass bandages and to compare them with plaster of Paris bandages. The results have clearly demonstrated that the fibreglass bandages are mechanically superior and offer numerous advantages over plaster of Paris for use as the definitive casting material for both weight-bearing and non-weight-bearing casts.

Bandages↗
PubMed1987

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.

Bandages↗
PubMed1979

Load measurement in orthopaedics using strain gauges.

This paper describes the practical aspects of the design, construction and use of strain gauged transducers in clinical orthopaedics. The role of force measurement as a procedure for diagnosis and evaluation in orthopaedics is reviewed and the type of useful data this technique can yield is indicated. The procedure for setting up a load measuring programme is then covered in detail. This includes the formulation of a clinically viable procedure which yields meaningful data, design and construction of the transducers, choice of gauges, their associated instrumentation and analysis of data. The strain gauge itself is dealt with in sufficient detail to cover all the measurement situations which may be encountered in the orthopaedic clinic. Practical aspects, such as the source of supply of components, are fully described.

Adhesives↗
PubMed1977

The cast-brace treatment of femoral shaft fractures.

Ninety-eight fractures of the shaft of the femur were seen in one unit over the two years 1974 and 1975, and the results have been assessed in sixty-nine. Of these, thirty-eight were treated by skeletal traction in a Thomas's splint followed by skin traction, and thirty-one by skeletal traction followed by a cast-brace. The technique of application is described in some detail. The average time for application of the cast-brace was six weeks after the injury, the time in hospital eight weeks and the time till removal fifteen weeks. The patients selected for a cast-brace were in hospital for just over half the time of the others and their fractures on average united more quickly, though with some trouble from angulation of fractures of the uppermost third of the shaft. It is concluded that when used with all the judgment and skill it demands, the cast-brace method is a great advance in conservative treatment.

Braces↗