New ecological wood–plastic composite materials for scaphoid-type casting: Material properties and clinical evaluation

Abstract

Introduction Immobilisation of limbs using splints and casts is a common procedure in both conservative and operative treatments. The most common splint materials are plaster-of-Paris, fibreglass and polyester cast materials. Despite the advantages of increased strength and comfort using fibreglass and polyester cast materials, disadvantages due to toxic and harmful components, such as cyanites, resulting in asthmatic responses have also been reported. Methods A new ecologically friendly, wood–plastic composite casting material was evaluated in a prospective study of 67 operatively treated patients needing a post-operative scaphoid-type cast. Thirty-seven patients (26 females and 11 males, mean age 53 years) were treated with a cast made of WOODCAST® 2 mm and WOODCAST® Ribbon, and another 30 patients (19 females and 11 males, mean age 53 years) were treated with a cast made of WOODCAST® Soft and WOODCAST® Ribbon. The casts were either removable or non-removable. Mechanical stiffness properties of cylindrical WOODCAST® materials were also tested using a testing machine (LLOYD LR30K, Lloyd Instruments, Southampton, UK). Results The cast material was easy to handle without gloves. The pre-heated self-adhesive materials became completely three-dimensional-mouldable and could easily be cut with scissors. The median time in the cast was 4 weeks. Fifty-six patients responded to a questionnaire: Out of 56 patients, 36 considered the cast to be very comfortable or comfortable, 11 were neutral and four did not answer the question. The mechanical testing showed that the novel WOODCAST® materials can be used in different kinds of casting. Conclusion The ecological wood–plastic composite materials represent sustainable development in the field of casting materials.