Synthetic versus plaster of Paris casts in the treatment of fractures of the forearm in children: a randomised trial of clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction

One hundred and ninety-nine children, under 18 years of age, with a displaced forearm fracture of the radius, ulna, or both, who required closed reduction and immobilization were randomly assigned into 1 of 2 postoperative treatment groups to receive either a plaster of Paris or synthetic cast to test the efficacy and safety of each treatment. Results indicated that patients who received synthetic casts were less likely to experience complications following cast application. Patients in the synthetic group were also found to have significantly higher overall satisfaction following treatment when compared to those who received the plaster of Paris mold.