STUDIES
The Supracondylar Humeral Fracture Study: A Randomized Control (RCT)
This study focuses on upper arm fractures that are not dislocated. A treatment with a cast immobilizes the arm, allowing the bone to heal on its own. This aim is to compare two different casts, a traditional (hard) cast that must be removed at a hospital, and a removable (soft) cast which can be taken off at home at the end of treatment. The goal is to prove that removable casts, which offer equal protection and immobilization during healing, are just as good as traditional casts in terms of pain management, regaining ability to move the arm, patient satisfaction, and overall recovery. Soft casts differ from traditional casts because, rather than plaster, they use a fiber-glass backing to provide support and rigidity. As such, they can be easily removed by the family at home 3 weeks after the cast is applied. This would mean that patients and families would need to spend less time commuting to and from, and within, the hospital during and after the COVID-19 pandemic. This can also, importantly, minimizes x-rays for children.
FAQ
Can the soft cast get wet?
It should be kept as dry as possible.
How long should the soft cast be kept on?
21 days, 3 weeks before removal.
Does my young child need to keep the soft cast on for the full 3 weeks?
Yes, that is the recommended amount of time recommended by our doctor. Your fracture must be immobilized for 3 weeks to ensure adequate recovery.
Is the hard cast harder than the soft cast?
The soft cast is slightly less rigid (softer) than hard cast.
Does the soft cast provide equal amount of support as compared to the hard cast?
Yes, the soft cast provides the same amount of support and has the same function as the hard cast. The only difference is that the soft cast can be taken off at home.
Is swelling in the hand normal?
Yes, a little swelling is normal as long as it is not causing too much pain or discomfort. Wiggling the fingers is encouraged to help reduce swelling.
What are complications/signs of concern to look for?
Parents should keep an eye on increasing pain as a main concern.
Is movement normal in a removable/soft cast?
A little movement is okay - however, it is always a good idea to let Dr. Cooper know how much movement is occuring to confirm it is alright at externalfixators@cw.bc.ca.
There is material unraveling from the soft cast - is this normal?
Some fraying and protruding padding material is normal. Use scissors to gently cut the parts that are protruding/fraying off and remind your child not to pick at their cast. Send pictures of the area of concern and confirm with Dr. Cooper at externalfixators@cw.bc.ca that it is fraying a normal amount (and the cast is not defective/need to be re-done).
Cast is itching, what do we do?
Use a hairdryer on the cold setting to blow on the area to calm itching.
Is it normal for there to be some pain and swelling after the soft cast is removed?
Yes! For a short period of time, some pain and swelling after cast removal is normal.