The use of serial casting in the treatment of children with cerebral palsy: a study protocol

Introduction: Cerebral Palsy (CP) is characterized by a disorder of posture and movement, commonly leading to disabling orthopedic alterations, including muscle shortening, especially in the lower limbs. Stretching methods, performed gradually, are necessary to delay the impairment in function from muscle shortening. The use of serial casting aims to promote proper alignment, and an ideal and stable support base, in addition to better bone and joint health, leading to better posture, mobility, muscle function, and, subsequently, increased fitness and health.Objective: evaluate range of motion, postural control, and motor performance in children with CP, using serial casting, as well as to measure its effect on fitness through the autonomic nervous system (ANS).Methods: Sixty children and adolescents with CP, of both sexes, 3 to 12 years of age, will be divided into three groups: Groups A, B, and C, with 20 individuals each. Group A will use serial casting, Group B will use the orthosis continuously (with removal only allowed for bathing), and Group C will use the orthosis in their daily routine. Range of motion of the ankle of first and second resistance levels (R1 and R2), gross motor function measure (GMFM), and balance (measured by BERG scale) will be used in the initial and final assessments, and after 6 months and one year of follow-up. Timed-up-and-go (TUG), load distribution (baropodometry), motor performance measured through a real basketball game and the virtual MoveHero game, analysis of body angulation with "mydartfish", and cardiac autonomic modulation through heart rate variability will be assessed in three different situations: barefoot, with orthosis, and with casting.Conclusion: Serial casting demonstrates the potential to produce positive results in the treatment of individuals with CP regarding better alignment, with consequent motor and autonomic improvement.

Results of a Standard versus an Accelerated Ponseti Protocol for Clubfoot: A Prospective Randomized Study

BACKGROUND: The aim of this study was to compare the results of the standard once-weekly Ponseti casting technique to an accelerated twice-weekly regimen in our population cohort.METHODS: A prospective randomized controlled study was conducted with a total of 100 consecutive patients (158 feet) being enrolled for the study. Fifty patients were randomized to each group and followed up for at least one year.RESULTS: Initial mean Pirani score was 4.67 ± 0.73 in the standard group and 4.35 ± 0.76 in the accelerated group, and the score decreased to 0.34 ± 0.38 and 0.35 ± 0.31, respectively. Initial mean Dimeglio score was 11.75 ± 2.75 in the standard group and 10.51 ± 2.57 in the accelerated group, and the score decreased to 0.79 ± 0.77 and 0.79 ± 0.71, respectively, immediately after casting. The average number of casts required to correct all the deformities was 6.3 ± 1.2 in the standard group and 6.1 ± 1.4 in the accelerated group (p = 0.45). Average time spent in cast was 58.2 ± 8.3 days in the standard group and 39.5 ± 5.2 days in the accelerated group (p < 0.001). Percutaneous Achilles tendon tenotomy was done in 86.42% in the standard group and in 84.41% in the accelerated group (p = 0.72). Final results were assessed by using a modified functional rating scoring system: 55.55% clubfeet had excellent results and 44.45% had good results in the standard group, whereas 66.23% clubfeet had excellent results and 33.77% had good results in the accelerated group. None amongst the two groups had fair or poor results.CONCLUSIONS: These results suggest that the accelerated Ponseti technique significantly reduces the correction time without affecting the final results and that it is as safe and effective as the traditional Ponseti technique.

Impact of Total Contact Plaster Boot via off Loading Practice in Trophic Ulcers of the Feet: Case Series

Trophic ulcers have emerged as one of the major complications following diabetes mellitus (DM) and Hansen’s diseases (HD). In this case series, the study attempted total contact plaster boot using a readily available plaster of Paris to treat trophic ulcer for 10 subjects. A total of five subjects with DM and five subjects with HD were included based on the study criteria. Pre and post test measure of wound measurement size following total contact plaster boot were taken as an outcome measure. All ten subjects showed decrease in size of wound following fifteen days of treatment. No adverse effects were associated with this type of treatment. Subjects with trophic ulcer may benefit from the application of total contact plaster boot.

A new portable vibrator for plaster pouring: effect on the marginal fit at cylinder-abutment

OBJECTIVE: The aim of this study was to test a new portable vibrator for plaster pouring (developed for this purpose), comparing the effect of its use on the accuracy of working cast of implant-supported restorations to the conventional vibrator. MATERIAL AND METHODS: From a master cast with 2 implants, 30 transfer moldings were made randomly and divided into three groups: Group I (GI): pouring performed in an outsourced dental laboratory with conventional plaster vibrator (10 casts), Group II (GII): pouring performed in the laboratory of the Federal University of Santa Catarina (UFSC) with conventional plaster vibrator (10 casts) and Group III (GIII): pouring performed with the portable vibrator fabricated for this study (10 casts). The position of the analogue and marginal adaptation of the infrastructure were verified by testing the single screw on the master model and on the working model. The measurement of misfit was blindly performed with a precision microscope and analyzing unit, Quadra-Check 200. The data were statistically analyzed by analysis of variance (ANOVA) and the Holm-Sidak test (α=0.05). RESULTS: Means±standard deviations were as follows: GI: 19.19±4.73 µm; GII: 21.72±5.41 µm; GIII: 13.5±2.39 µm (P<0.05), with GIII significantly lower as compared to the other groups. CONCLUSION: Within the limitations of this study, it was concluded that a greater accuracy of working cast was achieved when a portable vibrator was used for casting molds.