Limb Position Significantly Affects Safety Distance During Cast Removal. (March 2015)

• Record Type: Journal Article
• Authors: Abu-Ghanem, Yasmin; Abu-Ghanem, Nora; Albagly, Asaf; Eyal, Gil; Steinberg, Ely L.; Chechik, Ofir
• Is Part Of: Orthopedic nursing. Volume 34:Number 2(2015)
• Publication Date: 2015-03
• Subjects: Orthopedics -- Nursing -- Periodicals; Orthopedic Nursing -- Periodicals; 616.70231
• DOI: 10.1097/NOR.0000000000000137
• Languages: English
• ISSNs: 0744-6020

Abstract

<abstract> <title> <x xml:space="preserve">Abstract</x> </title> <sec> <title>BACKGROUND:</title> <p>Unintentional cast saw injuries are attributable to casting material or improper removal technique. Another factor associated with the risk of injury is the "safety distance, " the distance between the inner perimeter of the cast and the patient's skin.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>METHODS:</title> <p>Nine patients with lower leg casts around the knee/ankle were examined. Safety distance was measured using a standard depth gauge at 6–10 spots along the limb. The safety distance at each spot was measured in both supine and lateral-decubitus positions. Limb position was termed "safe" with the saw coming directly from above; a "dangerous" position was considered when the saw was coming from the side.</p> </sec> <sec> <title>RESULTS:</title> <p>The mean safety distance in the "safe position" was 17.02 mm ± 4.66 mm, compared with 14.34 mm ± 3.85 mm in the "dangerous position" (Δ = 2.7 mm; <italic>p</italic> &lt; .0001).</p> </sec> <sec> <title>CONCLUSIONS:</title> <p>Proper positioning of a patient during cast-splitting, with the saw in the nondependent, safe aspect of the limb, can significantly increase the safety distance and minimize skin injuries.</p> </sec> </abstract>