Published online Nov 18, 2020. doi: 10.5312/wjo.v11.i11.492
Peer-review started: April 10, 2020
First decision: September 18, 2020
Revised: September 30, 2020
Accepted: October 20, 2020
Article in press: October 20, 2020
Published online: November 18, 2020
Processing time: 218 Days and 12.2 Hours
Although the conventional cast has been effective in immobilizing orthopedic injuries, it has shortcomings such as foul odor, itchiness, internal moisture, inability to take a shower, etc. during its use. These could impede a patient’s compliance.
Opencast® is a recently developed mesh type of cast that allows ventilation and direct visual inspection of the skin. This cast is expected to avoid cast-related complications and discomfort. However, the advantage and efficacy of the cast have not been tested.
This study aimed to compare patients’ perspectives of the clinical benefits of the Opencast® and the conventional synthetic cast using a specifically designed questionnaire.
Patients who sustained recent ankle sprain injuries were randomly allocated to group A (initial 2 wk of conventional cast + additional 2 wk of Opencast®) and group B (initial 2 wk of Opencast® and additional 2 wk of conventional cast). Patients’ perspectives on the complications and discomfort regarding the two types of cast were compared using a specifically designed questionnaire.
A total of 22 subjects participated in the study. The conventional cast appeared to be more rigid and stable than the Opencast®. Patient satisfaction tended to be rated higher after wearing the Opencast®. Opencast® was superior to the conventional cast in the items regarding itchiness, bad odor, ability to take a shower, etc.
Opencast® was found to be appropriate for immobilization in patients with acute ankle sprains. Mechanical strength needs to be improved for this new type of cast.
Opencast® could replace the conventional synthetic cast as it offers increased patient satisfaction, which would in turn increase compliance to treatment.