Cast immobilisation of paediatric forearm fractures has traditionally used plaster of Paris. Recently, synthetic casting materials have been used. There have been no studies comparing the efficacy of these two materials. The aim of this study is to investigate whether one material is superior for paediatric forearm fracture management. A single-centre prospective randomised trial of patients presenting to the Women's and Children's Hospital with acute fractures of the radius and/or ulna was undertaken. Patients were enrolled into the study on presentation to the Emergency Department and randomised by sealed envelope into either a fiberglass or plaster of Paris group. Patients then proceeded to a standardised method of closed reduction and cast immobilisation. Clinical follow-up occurred at one and six weeks post-immobilisation. A patient satisfaction questionnaire was completed following cast removal at six weeks. All clinical complications were recorded and cast indexes were calculated.Introduction and aims
Methods
