Open Access. Powered by Scholars. Published by Universities.®
Articles 1 - 2 of 2
Full-Text Articles in Medicine and Health Sciences
Cast-Saw Burns: Evaluation Of Skin, Cast, And Blade Temperatures Generated During Cast Removal, Franklin D. Shuler Md, Frank N. Grisafi
Cast-Saw Burns: Evaluation Of Skin, Cast, And Blade Temperatures Generated During Cast Removal, Franklin D. Shuler Md, Frank N. Grisafi
Orthopaedics
Background: The use of an oscillating saw for cast removal creates a potential for iatrogenic injury and patient discomfort. Burns and abrasions can occur from the heat created by frictional forces and direct blade contact. With use of a cadaver model system, skin temperature measurements were recorded during cast removal with an oscillating saw.
Methods: Casts of uniform thickness were applied to cadavers equilibrated to body temperature. The casts were removed by a single individual while simultaneously measuring temperatures at the skin-padding interface, cast-padding interface, and the blade. Variables tested include two removal techniques, two casting materials (fiberglass and plaster), …
Physician’S Ability To Manually Detect Isolated Elevation In Leg Intracompartmental Pressure., Franklin D. Shuler Md, Matthew J. Dietz
Physician’S Ability To Manually Detect Isolated Elevation In Leg Intracompartmental Pressure., Franklin D. Shuler Md, Matthew J. Dietz
Orthopaedics
Background: Serial physical examination is recommended for patients for whom there is a high index of suspicion for compartment syndrome. This examination is more difficult when performed on an obtunded patient and relies on the sensitivity of manual palpation to detect compartment firmness—a direct manifestation of increased intracompartmental pressure. This study was performed to establish the sensitivity of manual palpation for detecting critical pressure elevations in the leg compartments most frequently involved in clinical compartment syndrome.
Methods: Reproducible, sustained elevation of intracompartmental pressure was established in fresh cadaver leg specimens. Pressures tested included 20 and 40 mm Hg (negative controls) …