Evaluation of fiberglass versus plaster of Paris for immobilization of fractures of the arm and leg

Abstract

We conducted a prospective randomized study comparing the costs, comfort, and effects on activities of daily living of fractures managed in plaster of Paris (POP) vs. fiberglass (FG) for at least 4 weeks. A total of 183 patients with short arm and short leg casts were evaluated. Twenty-seven patients were excluded, leaving 156 patients in the study. The average cost per fracture immobilized in a short arm cast was $12.90 for POP and $15.45 for FG. For short leg casts, the average cost of immobilization was $49.06 for POP and $47.85 for FG. FG had a significantly lower breakdown rate in short leg casts (17% vs. 66%) but not in short arm casts. In 21 measures of activities of daily living and comfort, FG short arm casts were significantly better than POP in only the weight of the cast (p = 0.01). FG short leg casts were superior to POP in getting dressed, odor, sweating under the cast, work/school accomplishments, and overall fewer restrictions and comfort.