Effect of Pressure Applied During Casting on Temperatures Beneath Casts

BACKGROUND:Burns and pressure sores are common injuries during cast application. Various factors such as water temperature, padding, and cast material layers may play a role in these injuries; however, the effect of cast molding on temperatures and pressures has not been investigated. This raises the following questions, does the application of molding during cast application(1) alter skin level temperatures in a variety of cast materials? and (2) risk inducing either thermal injury or pressure necrosis? METHODS:An upper extremity model was created to measure pressure and temperature underneath casting materials. Cast padding, water bath temperature, and cast thickness were standardized. A 3-point mold was simulated using 3 casting materials—Fiberglass only, Plaster Only splint, and Plaster splint overwrapped with Fiberglass—while pressure and temperature were recorded. RESULTS:Pressure application led to a statistically significant (P