Related Experiment Video
Updated: Sep 3, 2026
Constructing a Collagen Hydrogel for the Delivery of Stem Cell-loaded Chitosan Microspheres
Published on: June 1, 2012
Transportation of children in spica casts in the USA
Allison Gockley1, William Hennrikus, Shane T Lavin
1Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, Penn State College of Medicine, Hershey, Pennsylvania, USA.
Insights
A hospital restraint loaner program effectively transported children in spica casts. This car seat program provides safe patient care, utilizing various restraints like E-Z-On vests and specialized car seats.
Area of Science:
- Pediatric Orthopedics
- Patient Transport Safety
- Medical Device Programs
Background:
- Children treated with spica casts require specialized transportation.
- Existing transportation methods may pose challenges for patient safety and hospital resources.
Purpose of the Study:
- To evaluate the outcomes of a hospital-based restraint loaner program.
- To assess the effectiveness and practicality of providing specialized restraints for transporting pediatric patients in spica casts.
Main Methods:
- A retrospective review of 52 pediatric patients treated with spica casts.
- Documentation of restraint types used: E-Z-On vests, specialized car seats (Hippo, Spelcast), and family-owned car seats.
- Inclusion of ambulance transport data for comparison.
Main Results:
- The program utilized a variety of restraints, including 17 E-Z-On vests and 17 Hippo car seats.
- Costs for restraints ranged from $150 to $750, with ambulance transport at $1200.
- Successful patient transport was achieved using the loaner program.
Conclusions:
- A car seat loaner program is a practical and effective model for safe patient care.
- The program facilitates appropriate restraint selection by therapists for children in spica casts.
- Hospital-provided loaner restraints enhance the safety and feasibility of transporting pediatric patients with spica casts.
Abstract:
The aim of this study was to report outcomes of a hospital restraint loaner program for transporting children treated with spica casts. Fifty-two patients were studied. Appropriate restraints were selected by a therapist, consisting of 17 E-Z-On vest, 17 hippo car seat, five spelcast device, four family owned car seat, and nine transported using an ambulance. The cost to the hospital for the restraints ranged from $150 to $750 and $1200 for ambulance transportation. A car seat loaner program is a practical model to provide safe patient care for children in a spica cast.
