摘要
Purpose:Secondary displacement represents a frequent complication of conservative treatment of fractures,particularly of the distal radius.The gap space between skin and cast may lead to a certain degree movements and this increased mobility might favor redisplacement.The aim of this study was to develop a new 3D method,to measure the gap space in all 3 geometrical planes,and to validate this new technique in a clinical setting of distal radius fractures.Methods:This study applies 3D imaging to measure the space between plaster and skin as a potential factor of secondary displacement and therefore the failure of conservative treatment.We developed and validated a new methodology to analyze and compare different forearm casts made of plaster of Paris and fiberglass.An unpaired t-test was performed to document differences between the investigated parameters between plaster of Paris and fiberglass casts.The significance level was set at p<0.05.Results:In a series of 15 cases,we found the width of the gap space to average 4 mm,being slightly inferior on the radial side.Comparing the two different casting materials,plaster of Paris and fiberglass,we found a significantly larger variance of space under casts made of the first material(p=0.39).A roughness analysis showed also a markedly significantly higher irregularity of the undersurface of plaster of Paris as compared with fiberglass.Conclusion:This study allows for a better understanding of the nature of the"gap space"between cast and skin and will contribute to develop and improve new immobilization techniques and materials.
