Parent satisfaction comparing two bandage materials used during serial casting in infants

Area of Science:

• Orthopedics
• Pediatric Orthopedics
• Biomaterials Science

Background:

• Serial casting is a common treatment for congenital talipes equinovarus (clubfoot) and rigid metatarsus adductus in infants.
• Traditional Plaster of Paris casts have been the standard, but concerns exist regarding their durability and ease of parental management.
• Advancements in casting materials offer potential alternatives with improved properties.

Purpose of the Study:

• To compare the clinical efficacy and parental experience of semirigid fiberglass casting versus traditional Plaster of Paris for serial casting in infants.
• To evaluate differences in cast durability, performance, ease of removal, and complication rates between the two casting materials.
• To assess parental preference for casting materials in the management of pediatric foot deformities.

Main Methods:

• A prospective comparative study involving 17 infants undergoing serial casting for clubfoot or rigid metatarsus adductus.
• Casts were applied using either Plaster of Paris or semirigid fiberglass.
• Data collected included cast durability, performance during treatment, time for home cast removal by parents, complication incidence, and parental satisfaction surveys.

Main Results:

• Semirigid fiberglass demonstrated statistically significant superiority in durability, convenience, and overall performance compared to Plaster of Paris.
• Parental home cast removal time was substantially shorter with fiberglass (21 minutes) versus Plaster of Paris (55 minutes).
• Complication rates (skin abrasions, cast slip-off) were comparable between the two materials, and 94% of parents expressed a strong preference for semirigid fiberglass.

Conclusions:

• Semirigid fiberglass casting material offers significant advantages over Plaster of Paris for serial casting in infants with clubfoot and rigid metatarsus adductus.
• The improved durability, ease of home management, and high parental satisfaction make fiberglass a preferred alternative.
• Further research could explore long-term outcomes and cost-effectiveness of semirigid fiberglass in pediatric orthopedic practice.