Cast-saw burns: comparison of technique versus material versus saws

Inadvertent cast-saw burns are attributable to inadequately padded casts, improper technique, or uncooperative patients. Cast-saw blade temperatures recorded while splitting plaster and fiberglass casts are elevated to a degree that would increase the risk of a second- or third-degree burn. Using standardized plaster and fiberglass cast models, this study attempted to determine whether the elevated temperature was a product of the saw, blade design, blade material, technique of cast removal, or casting materials. The results demonstrated that cast-saw blades manufactured with stainless steel are poorly suited for a device that uses friction to separate a cast. Modifications to the technique and varying the cast-saw models did not reduce the blade temperature consistently to <120-130 degrees F during normal operations.