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Topic:

Casting

Issue:

​

Category:

​

Title:

Coated Cast Saw Blades Decrease Blade Temperature During Cast Removal

Author:

Stevens, Michael R.E. MD; Kirk, Andrew M. MD; Collofello, Brandon S. MD; Muffly, Brian T. MD; Prusick, Vincent W. MD

Journal:

Journal of Pediatric Orthopaedics

Date:

January 2024

Reference:

44(1): p 63-67, DOI: 10.1097/BPO.0000000000002531

Level Of Evidence:

​

# of Patients:

70 casts (30 plaster and 40 fiberglass)

Study Type:

Experimental, Laboratory study

Location:

Not specified

Summary:

The study investigates the effect of cast saw blade material, wear, and cast material on blade temperature during cast removal. The results demonstrate that tungsten-disulfide coated blades produce lower blade temperatures compared to stainless-steel blades, especially when used on fiberglass casts.

Methods:

The study involved removing short arm plaster and fiberglass casts using new or worn stainless-steel or tungsten-disulfide coated blades. Blade temperatures were continuously measured with a thermocouple. Statistical analysis was performed using the Mann-Whitney U test to compare mean maximum temperatures.

Exclusions:

Worn stainless-steel blades were excluded from the fiberglass cast group due to complete erosion of the cutting teeth.

Results:

For plaster casts, worn stainless-steel blades generated significantly higher temperatures than new blades (63.7°C vs. 51.4°C, P = 0.003). New stainless-steel blades produced significantly higher temperatures on fiberglass casts (95.9°C) compared to plaster casts (51.4°C, P < 0.001). Coated blades produced lower temperatures compared to stainless-steel blades during fiberglass cast removal (76.6°C vs. 95.9°C, P = 0.016). Worn coated blades and new coated blades had similar temperatures during plaster cast removal (P = 0.347) and fiberglass cast removal (P = 0.653).

Conclusions:

Tungsten-disulfide coated blades were more effective in minimizing blade temperature during cast removal, especially for fiberglass casts. The study suggests the limited use of stainless-steel blades to prevent excessive heat buildup and thermal injury during the process.

Relevance:

Limitations:

Perspective:

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