SEARCH · PubMed Health
Results for “PLASTER CASTS”
Explore indexed PubMed citations for clinical trials, systematic reviews and public health research. Read source abstracts and follow each citation to its original PubMed record.
Quote a phrase for an exact phrase match. Source license links do not imply unrestricted reuse.
[Lining of plaster casts with a substance known as "gommapiuma"].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
[A hundred years of plaster casts].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
[Plaster casts, general methods].
Explore the source record for details and available documents.
Use of plaster casts in the management of diabetic neuropathic foot ulcers.
Neuropathic foot ulceration is a major medical and economic problem among diabetic patients, and the traditional treatment involves bed rest with complete freedom from weight-bearing. We have investigated the use of walking plaster casts in the management of seven diabetic patients with long-standing, chronic plantar ulcers. Although all ulcers healed in a median time of 6 wk, this therapy was not without side effects, which are described in detail. We conclude that casting is a useful therapy for neuropathic ulcers, although several clinic visits, including cast removal and foot inspection, are necessary to avoid potential side effects caused by the casting of insensitive feet.
Plaster cast compared with bridging external fixation for distal radius fractures of the Colles' type.
We compared two different treatments for displaced distal radius Colles' type fractures (Older type 3 and 4), at two hospitals. We found bridging external fixation superior to reduction and fixation in a dorsal plaster cast regarding both the end-anatomic results at 3 months and the functional scores at 3 and 9 months (modified Gartland and Werley).
Chemical composition of the skeletal parts of the extremity of the adult rat following below-knee amputation and immobilisation in a plaster cast.
The chemical composition, i.e. ash and calcium contents and organic, hydroxyproline, and hexosamine contents of the acetone-dried diaphyseal cortical bone powder of the tibias and the femurs, was studied in adult rats after a) below-knee amputation and b) immobilisation of the one hind leg in a plaster cast. There were no significant differences in the chemical composition of the chemical composition of the bones of the treated extremity as compared with the corresponding bones from the non-treated control leg, either at different times after the amputation and immobilisation, respectively, or when all obtained values from each bone were tested together. The percentage hydroxyproline content of the tibia was found to be significantly higher than that of the femur in both extremities, both in the amputation and in the immobilisation experiment. The pro mille hexosamine content of the tibia, on the other hand, was significantly lower than that of the femur in both extremeities in the immobilisation experiment.
Changes in the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of skeletal muscle subjected to plaster cast immobilization.
The effect of immobilization for different periods (7, 14, 28 and 42 days) on the aerobic and anaerobic metabolism of rabbit muscles with different functions was studied by measuring the total activity of LDH and MDH as well as the distribution of their isoenzymes. The results showed that on plaster casting the characteristic aerobic metabolism of m. soleus declined with a concomitant increase in glycolytic processes. In m. gastrocnemius the anaerobic metabolism of the muscle was relatively decreased on immobilization, but glycolysis remained the prevailing energy yielding process. On immobilization the metabolism of m. soleus and that of m. gastrocnemius approached each other. This may indicate a certain dedifferentiation of the muscle tissue.
[Treatment of comminuted fractures of the distal end of the radius by traction using transfixing Kirschner's wires and plaster cast].
Based on the analysis of 45 cases of comminuted fractures of the lower extremity of the radius, this study points out the insufficiency of conventional treatments. The authors advocate a technique using a Kirschner's wire passed through the metacarpal bones and another one through the ulna, both beind embeded in plaster cast. This method was tested on 19 cases with encouraging results. The technique was precisely described and the authors think that it should be used in fractures incorrectly reduced by conventional methods.
A prospective randomized trial of external fixation and plaster cast immobilization in the treatment of distal radial fractures.
Distal radial fractures are common, and many methods of treatment have been reported but there are no studies that compare the different treatment methods. This randomized prospective study demonstrated no advantage in using an external fixator to immobilize reduced distal radial fractures over closed reduction and plaster cast immobilization in patients less than 60 years of age. The external fixator group had a significant complication rate.
Effect of ankle position and a plaster cast on intramuscular pressure in the human leg.
Intramuscular pressure was measured with transducer-tipped catheters that had been inserted into the anterior and deep posterior compartments of the leg in seven healthy adults. Intramuscular pressure increased three to sevenfold (depending on the position of the ankle) in both compartments after the application of a plaster cast from the proximal part of the thigh to the malleoli. While the cast was in place, the baseline intramuscular pressure was elevated by the inflation of a tourniquet, which was located on the proximal part of the thigh, to a pressure of sixty millimeters of mercury (8.00 kilopascals). The intramuscular pressure in both the anterior and the deep posterior compartments was found to be lowest when the ankle joint was between the neutral and the resting positions (between 0 and 37 degrees of flexion). After the cast was bivalved and the opening on each side was spread approximately one-half centimeter, there was a significant decrease in intramuscular pressure of 47 per cent in the anterior compartment and of 33 per cent in the deep posterior compartment (p < 0.05 for both).
[Is a general pharmacologic thromboembolism prophylaxis necessary in ambulatory treatment by plaster cast immobilization in lower limb injuries?].
Selected patients with minor lower limb injuries and low risk for deep vein thrombosis (DVT), who required cast immobilizing and did not receive medical thrombosis prophylaxis, were included in a prospective study. The decision to give not medical thrombosis prophylaxis depended on an concept of individualised prophylaxis for patients at risk for thromboembolism. From March 1994 to March 1996 in 178 outpatients (118 men, 60 women, mean age 25.8 [16-39] years) a clinical examination and a colour-coded duplex sonography were performed after removal of the cast for detection of DVT of the lower limb. A phlebography was performed when thrombosis was suspected. Two patients developed a one bundle thrombosis of the calf. Clinical appearance of lung embolism was not observed. These results suggest, that low risk patients with minor injuries of the lower limb and plaster cast immobilisation do not need a medical thrombosis prophylaxis.
Intracranial cavity volume can be accurately estimated from the weights of intracranial contents: confirmation by the dental plaster casting method.
Intracranial cavity volume is used to evaluate brain size relative to the intracranial space. This volume can theoretically be obtained from the weights and densities of the brain and surrounding cerebrospinal fluid (weight method). However, the accuracy of this method has not been examined. In this study, we examined the reliability of the weight method, by comparing the intracranial cavity volumes of 41 post-mortem cases obtained by the weight method (ICVw) with those obtained by a dental plaster casting method (ICVcast) which was shown to be unbiased. The ICVw was not significantly different from the ICV cast (P=0.49, paired t-test), and the standard error of difference was 18 ml (1.3% of ICVcast). These results show that the weight method is reliable, and applicable to routine autopsies.
[Longitudinal changes in the dentition of the deciduous reversed bite using plaster casts].
It is known that some of the deciduous reversed bite cases are corrected spontaneously by themselves. No decisive conclusion, however, has been achieved so far as to what morphological characteristics the self corrected cases have. The purpose of this study, therefore, was to determine whether the difference between the self corrected group (n) and the non-self corrected group (r) exists at their initial examination or if it occurs as a result of changes in occlusion. The materials used in this study were the serial plaster casts of 29 Japanese girls with the deciduous reversed bite at their first visit and these were measured with the three dimensional measurement system. The following results were obtained: 1. Characteristics of the initial examination with the n group: Overjet (-) and overbite in the n group were smaller than in the r group. The arch length and the perimeter of the maxillary dentition in the n group were longer, and the area of the incisive bone (U-C) was wider than in the r group. Moreover, the upper and lower canines in almost all of the n group cases were not touching each other and did not restrict mandibular movement, resulting in easy attrition for the deciduous anterior dentition. 2. Longitudinal changes in the n group: Mean change of this group showed a decrease in overbite caused by the attrition of the deciduous central incisors and the continuous eruption of the maxillary second deciduous molars. Overjet also decreased, because of an increase in the maxillary anterior arch length and of backward movement in the mandibular dental arch. Individual changes were much alike in mean changes in almost all of the measured items. Arch width between canines in the maxilla and arch length in the mandible decreased in some cases, suggesting that a discrepancy would occur when the permanent incisors erupt. 3. Longitudinal changes of the r group: Mean changes showed that overbite decreased in the same pattern as the n group, but overjet did not change and the mandible did not show backward movement. The reason was that overbite in this group was deeper than in the n group at the initial examination. Moreover, deciduous molar to molar width became wider to compensate the decrease in the arch length and the perimeter. Individual changes showed that some of the r group cases had a tendency to improve, but some became worse.
[Thromboprophylaxis in general surgical practices in the year 2004: perioperative use during hospitalisation, during out-patient care and following plaster cast immobilisation].
OBJECTIVE: To determine which thromboprophylactic modalities were used by general surgeons in the Netherlands; to check current clinical practice against national and international guidelines. DESIGN: Descriptive. METHOD: In April 2004 a questionnaire was sent to all 106 surgical practices in the Netherlands with questions regarding the use of thromboprophylaxis before, during and after various surgical interventions. Practice was compared with guidelines from the Dutch Institute for Healthcare Improvement CBO, the Dutch Surgical Association and the American College of Chest Physicians. RESULTS: We obtained data from 92 (87%) surgical practices. Low molecular weight heparin was initiated before surgery by 92% of respondents. Risk factors such as age (72%) and prior venous thromboembolism (76%) played an important role in determining the thromboprophylactic protocol used. During hospitalisation, variations were seen primarily for operations performed on an out-patient basis: 61% of surgeons gave thromboprophylaxis in this setting. Prolonged thromboprophylaxis after hospital discharge was seldom administered. 54% of surgeons used prolonged thromboprophylaxis after surgery for hip or femur fractures. During cast immobilisation of the upper leg, 79% of all surgeons prescribed thromboprophylaxis. CONCLUSION: Current practice regarding thromboprophylaxis during hospitalisation conformed consistently to the guidelines. The guidelines were followed moderately with regard to the use of prolonged thromboprophylaxis following hip fractures. In the absence of clear guidelines, there were striking differences among surgical practices regarding thromboprophylaxis during out-patient care and plaster cast immobilisation.
Comparison of short and long arm plaster casts for displaced fractures in the distal third of the forearm in children.
BACKGROUND: Various methods of cast immobilization have been recommended for the treatment of distal forearm fractures in children. The purpose of this study was to determine if short arm casts are as effective as long arm casts in the treatment of displaced fractures of the distal third of the forearm in these patients. METHODS: In a prospective randomized trial, consecutive patients, four years of age or older, who presented to The Women's and Children's Hospital of Buffalo with a displaced fracture of the distal third of the forearm were randomized to treatment with a short or long arm plaster cast. Radiographs were analyzed for displacement, angulation, and deviation at the time of injury, after reduction, and at subsequent follow-up intervals. The cast index at the fracture level, used to assess the quality of the cast molding, was determined from the postreduction radiographs. Changes between postreduction and final values for displacement, angulation, and deviation; the ranges of motion of both wrists and elbows; the need for physical therapy; and responses to a questionnaire used to evaluate the effects of the cast on activities of daily living were compared between the groups. RESULTS: One hundred and thirteen of the 151 patients who were assessed for eligibility were analyzed. The follow-up rate was 92%, and the average duration of follow-up was eight months. Sixty long arm casts and fifty-three short arm casts were used. There were no significant differences between the two groups with regard to patient demographics, initial fracture characteristics, mechanism of injury, cast index, or the change in displacement, angulation, or deviation during treatment. The fractures that lost reduction in the cast had significantly higher cast indices, indicating poor cast-molding. A comparison of partially and completely displaced fractures revealed no difference between the groups with regard to the change between the postreduction and final amount of displacement. Patients treated with a short arm cast missed fewer school days and were less likely to require assistance with various activities of daily living. CONCLUSIONS: A well-molded short arm cast can be used as effectively as a long arm cast to treat fractures of the distal third of the forearm in children four years of age and older, and they interfere less with daily activities.
Physiological and structural changes in the cat's soleus muscle due to immobilization at different lengths by plaster casts.
1. Passive length-tension curves were established for cat soleus muscles that had been immobilized in different positions. Muscles that had been immobilized in the lengthened position showed no difference in their length-tension properties to those of normal muscles. However, those immobilized in the shortened position showed a considerable decrease in extensibility.2. Muscle fibre length, sarcomere length and the total number of sarcomeres along single teased fibres were also determined for muscles immobilized in different positions. Soleus muscles immobilized in the lengthened position were found to have 20% more sarcomeres in series than normal muscles whilst those immobilized in the shortened position had 40% less than normal muscles.3. When the plaster casts were removed from muscles that had been immobilized in the shortened position, the length-tension curves and sarcomere number returned to normal within 4 weeks. Muscles that were immobilized in a shortened position and then immobilized in a second position were found to rapidly adjust to the second position with respect to their passive length-tension properties and sarcomere number.4. A change in the number of sarcomere in series seems to be the way in which the sarcomere length of the muscle is adjusted to its new functional length. The change in the length-tension properties which accompanies a decrease in sarcomere number appears to be the mechanism which prevents the muscle from being overstretched.
Serial plaster casting to correct equino-varus deformity of the ankle following acquired brain injury in adults.
PURPOSE: Proposed mechanisms via which serial casting might effect increased joint range, muscle extensibility and reduced reflex excitability are outlined in this review. Support for these mechanisms stems largely from animal experimental studies. The applicability of these data to human muscle is unknown. ISSUES: Equino-varus deformity of the ankle is a common secondary complication of acquired brain injury. It results from a combination of sequelae of the brain injury and subsequent immobility, including hypertonia, reduced muscle length and increased stiffness. Some evidence exists for the efficacy of serial plaster casts in the treatment of equino-varus deformity, although most reported studies are uncontrolled and involve small numbers of subjects. Serial casting has been shown to result in decreased resistance to passive lengthening and a reduction in dynamic reflex excitability within the lengthened muscles in children with cerebral palsy. Currently documented effects of serial casting in brain injured adults are limited to changes in range of maximal passive dorsiflexion. CONCLUSION: Serial casting should be considered as an adjunct to therapy aimed at improving functional mobility. A variety of therapeutic interventions have been used to augment the effect of the casting regime. Factors that have been demonstrated to be associated with a favourable outcome from serial casting, and recommendations for future research are also discussed in this review.