%0 Journal Article
%T A simple technique to prolong molding time during application of a fiberglass cast: An in vitro study
%A James Raphael
%A Mark Ayzenberg
%A Michael Narvaez
%J -
%D 2016
%R https://doi.org/10.4081/or.2018.7314
%X Casting is routinely used for acute andpost-operative immobilization and remains a cornerstone in the non-operative management of fractures and deformities. Theapplication of a properly fitted and well-molded cast, especially for a trainee, can bechallenging. We present a simple method ofprolonging cure time of fiberglass cast ¡ª placing ice in the dip water. Eight-ply, five-inch fiberglass cast was circumferentially applied to an aluminum-wrapped cardboard cylinder. An electronic, 2-channel temperature sensor (TR-71wf Temp Logger, T&D Corporation, Matsumoto, Japan), accurateto 0.1oC and accurate to ¡À0.3oC, was placed between the fourth and fifth layers of fiberglass. Thirty total casts were tested using 9¡À1oC (cold), 22¡À1oC (ambient), and 36¡À1oC (warm) dip water. Room temperature was maintained at 24¡À1oC. Cast temperatures were measured during theexothermic reaction generated by the castcuring. Peak temperatures and cure timeswere recorded. Cure time was defined as the point of downward deflection on the time-temperature curve immediately after peak. Cure and peak temperatures were compared among groups using analysis of variance. Mean cure time was 3.5¡À0.1 minutes forwarm water, 5.0¡À0.4 minutes for ambient water and 7.0¡À0.5 minutes for cold water. Peak temperature, measured between layers 4 and 5 of the cast material, was 36.6¡À0.8oC for warm water, 31.1¡À1.4oC for ambient water and 25.2¡À0.5oC for cold water. Cold afforded, on average, an additional 2 minutes (40% increase) in cure time compared to ambient water and an additional 3.5 minutes (100% increase) compared to warm water. Cure time differences were significant (P<0.001) for all groups, as were peak temperature differences (P<0.001). Temperatures concerning for development of burns were never reached. Utilizing iceddip water when casting is a simple andeffective method to prolong the time available for cast application. Orthopedic residents and trainees may find this useful in learning to fabricate a high quality cast. For the experienced orthopedic surgeon, this method eliminates the need to bridge long-limb casts and facilitates the application of complex casts.
%U https://www.pagepress.org/journals/index.php/or/article/view/7314