Cast Saw Burns: Evaluation of Simple Techniques for Reducing the Risk of Thermal Injury
Abstract
Although a routine practice in all orthopaedic clinics, the use of cast saws is not without risk of thermal and abrasive injury to patients. This study investigates the use of readily available supplies for reducing oscillating saw blade operating temperatures. An oscillating cast saw blade and an adhesive thermocouple fixed to the blade were uniformly heated and sub- sequently cooled from 70 degrees Celsius to 45 degrees Celsius using 6 different methods. Variables tested included the use of water applied with cotton cast padding or gauze dressing, 70% isopropyl alcohol applied with cotton cast padding, gauze dressing, or commercially available alcohol pads, and ultrasound gel applied with gauze dressing. All methods were tested with either the cast saw off or the saw and vacuum running. Statistical analysis included a 2-way analysis of variance to compare conditions with the cast saw off versus on and Tukey-adjusted pairwise comparisons of individual variables within each group.
Document Details
- Document Type
- Technical Report
- Publication Date
- Dec 01, 2014
- Accession Number
- ADA614782
Entities
People
- Alan C. Puddy
- James Keith Aden
- Jon A. Sunkin
- Joseph R. Hsu
- Kristina S. Walick
Organizations
- United States Army Institute of Surgical Research