Comparison of the moulding ability of Plaster of Paris and polyester cast material in the healthy adult forearm

Abstract

OBJECTIVES: To quantify the moulding ability of Plaster of Paris and polyester cast materials as assessed by the novel use of peripheral quantitative computed tomography. METHODS: A prospective crossover study was performed in 25 healthy volunteers aged 18-65 years. Participants' non-dominant wrist was immobilized using a synthetic polyester cast followed by a Plaster of Paris cast with three point moulding to simulate reduction of a dorsally angulated distal radius fracture. The novel use of peripheral quantitative computed tomography was used to measure the closeness of fit of each cast on an axial tomographic slice. RESULTS AND CONCLUSIONS: Plaster of Paris casts were able to achieve a cl..