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Pressure in plaster backslabs after surgery for ankle fractures
G W Bowyer1, M Iu, J M Reynard
1Department of Orthopaedics, Brook General Hospital, Woolwich, London, UK.
Injury
|February 1, 1993
Summary
Postoperative backslabs applied to ankle fractures do not cause harmful pressure increases, even with expected swelling. This study found that pressures remained within safe limits, indicating cast safety after surgery.
Area of Science:
- Orthopedics
- Trauma Surgery
Background:
- Postoperative swelling is common after ankle fracture surgery.
- Concerns exist regarding cast pressure and patient safety.
Purpose of the Study:
- To investigate the internal pressure dynamics of backslabs applied postoperatively.
- To assess the safety of backslabs in managing expected ankle swelling.
Main Methods:
- Pressure measurements were taken using a modified Sengstaken tube.
- Backslabs were applied for temporary support in 15 patients undergoing open reduction and internal fixation of ankle fractures.
Main Results:
- The mean pressure rise within backslabs was 4.6 cmH2O (3.4 mmHg).
- The maximum recorded pressure was 27.5 cmH2O (20.2 mmHg), with no clinical signs of excessive compression.
- Peak pressures were reached and began to decrease within 3 hours post-operation.
Conclusions:
- Ankle swelling following injury and surgery does not lead to unacceptable pressure increases in postoperative backslabs.
- Backslab application appears safe for temporary support after ankle fracture fixation.