title: Mechanical evaluation of a soft cast material.
abstract: In this study, the structural and material properties of a new semi-rigid material, Scotchcast SoftCast (SCS), were compared to the properties of two rigid materials, plaster of paris (POP) and Scotchcast Plus (SCP). Cylinders and flat beams made from 4, 6, 8, and 10 layers of each casting material were tested in three-point bending and diametrical compression. Initial stiffness and yield force values of SCS casts were significantly lower than for casts of SCP and POP made of the same number of layers. Casts made from SCS may be indicated for non-rigid applications, but not where rigid immobilization is required.
authors.affiliation: Division of Orthopedic Surgery, University of Maryland School of Medicine, Baltimore 21201-1192, USA.
authors.forename: M G
authors.initials: MG
authors.lastname: Zmurko
authors.forename: S M
authors.initials: SM
authors.lastname: Belkoff
authors.forename: J E
authors.initials: JE
authors.lastname: Herzenberg
mesh_terms: D002133:Calcium Sulfate; D002370:Casts, Surgical; D004867:Equipment Design; D005069:Evaluation Studies as Topic; D005079:Excipients; D006801:Humans; D019563:Mechanics
chemical_list: D005079:Excipients; D002133:Calcium Sulfate