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PubMed · 15589918

Keeping plaster casts dry: what works?

Dominic M Nielsen·Lionel G Ripley·David M Ricketts
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Abstract

Plaster casts are commonly used in the management of fractures. The mechanical properties of plasters are adversely affected by water. There are a number of commercial products available to allow patients to continue to shower and swim by protecting the plaster. The aim of this study was to compare these products with a plastic bag and elastic band. Each protector was tested in a shower, immersed in a swimming pool and worn while swimming. The volume of water intrusion was measured. There was no significant difference between a plastic bag and the commercially available products. We do not recommend the use of commercially available plaster protectors for showering or swimming: a plastic bag and elastic band is a cheaper and more convenient device.

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Activities of Daily LivingCasts, SurgicalEquipment DesignEquipment FailureFractures, BoneHumansProtective DevicesWaterJournal Article

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Dominic M Nielsen, Lionel G Ripley, David M Ricketts. 2005. Keeping plaster casts dry: what works?. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.injury.2004.04.005

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