The Incidence and Determinants of Waterproof Casting in Pediatric Patients

Amanda VanInwegen* and H Robert Tuten

Received: February 12, 2018;   Published: February 22, 2018

DOI: 10.26717/BJSTR.2018.02.000787

Full Text PDF

To view the Full Article   Peer-reviewed Article PDF

Abstract

Background: The study was designed to investigate the prevalence and determinants of waterproof casting in children being treated for a fracture at a pediatric orthopedic surgery clinic. Patients whose fractures need immobilization with a cast are given the option to pay for a waterproof liner, which is not covered by insurance carriers. The determining factors in their decision can include sex, age, time of year, and price.

Methods:Subjects were selected for this study if they were placed in a fiberglass cast within a one-year period. The following information was compiled for each patient: sex, age, date of treatment, type of cast, and type of insurance (private, Medicaid, etc.). Also noted was whether or not the patient opted for waterproof casting. All of the patients were immobilized in a cast for approximately the same length of time.

Results:A total of 2407 casts were applied in the one-year period of the study, 960 (39.9%) of them with a waterproof liner. The prevalence of waterproof cast use was highest in privately insured patients, for children over the age of five, and during the warmer months. The lowest percentage of waterproof casts was among patients insured by Medicaid, the government program for families with limited financial resources.

Conclusion:Waterproof casts are of value to pediatric patients and their parents because they allow children to continue with their normal hygiene regimen and recreational activities, but at a cost that it considered too high for some. Providing the option of a waterproof cast benefits both the practice and the patient.

Level of Evidence:Level I.

Abstract| Introduction| Materials and Methods| Results| Discussion| References|