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Precut Cast: An Easier and Less Stressful Cast Removal Procedure for Pediatric Patients
Megumi Tamaki1, Kyoko Dogo1, Michiko Fukuba1
1Department of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery, Teikyo University, Tokyo, Japan.
Insights
Pediatric cast removal can be stressful. A new method using cable ties and scissors instead of a cast saw significantly reduced patient stress during cast removal after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedic surgery
- Pediatric patient care
- Wound management
Background:
- Hospitalization and casting increase stress in pediatric patients.
- Casts are crucial for graft skin survival, especially for foot and ankle skin grafts.
- Traditional cast removal using cast saws is a significant source of patient stress.
Purpose of the Study:
- To develop and evaluate a less stressful method for cast removal in pediatric patients.
- To minimize patient anxiety associated with cast removal after surgery.
- To provide a safe and effective alternative to traditional cast saw removal.
Main Methods:
- Casts were cut intraoperatively and reapplied using nylon cable ties.
- Cast separation was performed one week post-surgery.
- Scissors or nippers were used for cast removal, avoiding cast saws.
Main Results:
- The novel cast removal technique was successfully implemented.
- The method proved to be easy and safe for pediatric patients.
- Significantly reduced stress was observed during cast removal compared to traditional methods.
Conclusions:
- This modified cast application and removal technique offers a less stressful option for pediatric patients.
- Utilizing cable ties and simple cutting tools simplifies the cast removal process.
- The findings suggest a potential improvement in the pediatric surgical patient experience.
Abstract:
During hospitalization, pediatric patients or their parents may feel stressed. If patients need to stay in the hospital with a cast, they are prone to feeling more stressed. Fixation using a cast is an important clinical option, particularly in the case of skin grafts wherein fixation of the foot and ankle is essential to ensure the survival of the graft skin. However, the removal of the cast is also stressful for patients because it needs to be removed with a cast saw. To avoid further stress in pediatric patients, we cut the cast intraoperatively and then fixed the cast again using nylon cable ties. One week after surgery, we separated the patient's cast. Instead of using a cast saw, we used only scissors or nippers. Our cast removal method was easy, safe, and less stressful.
