Article

Plaster-of-Paris and synthetic materials (e.g. fibreglass)
have been in clinical use as casting materials for decades. An innovative casting
material, WOODCAST, brings interesting alternatives to the traditional materials.
The aim of this study was to compare the stiffness properties of the WOODCAST
material to traditional casting materials. TECHNIQUE: In immobilization by
casting, materials with variable stiffness properties are required. Ring
stiffness of cylindrical samples correlates well with cast rigidity. DISCUSSION:
For load-bearing structures, the use of the WOODCAST Splint is recommended as
equally high stiffness was obtained with the WOODCAST Splint as was with
fibreglass. The WOODCAST 2 mm product is optimal for structures where some
elasticity is required, and WOODCAST Ribbon can be used in any WOODCAST structure
where further reinforcement is needed. The results show that WOODCAST material
can be used in replacing traditional casting materials used in extremity
immobilization. CLINICAL RELEVANCE: The mechanical properties of casting material
play an important role in safe and effective fracture immobilization. Stiffness
properties of the WOODCAST casting material and conventional materials -
fibreglass and plaster-of-Paris - were analysed in this study. The WOODCAST
Splint appears to compare favorably with traditional materials such as
Scotchcast.

Langue : ANGLAIS