3D-printed short arm casts: reliability, validity, feasibility compared with conventional waterproof fiberglass casts

Abstract

Aim: To evaluate the reliability, validity, and feasibility of 3D-printed short arm casts (SACs) versus conventional casts. Methods: Three raters of varying experience applied two conventional and two 3D-printed casts to a participant's dominant wrist to evaluate reliability. Each cast was worn for 24 hours and removed the following day after data collection. Results & conclusion: ICCs demonstrated ‘excellent’ intra-rater reliability for clinical effectiveness and patient satisfaction. There were no significant differences between fiberglass and 3D-printed SACs. The 3D-printed SAC group had significantly higher wrist function compared with the fiberglass SAC group. Discussion: This pilot case study demonstrates that 3D-printed short arm casts may be a valid immobilization technique of the wrist compared with conventional waterproof fiberglass casting.