Can Skin Surface Pressure Under A Cast, Reveal Intracompartmental Pressure? An Experimental Study

Abstract

Purpose: Although monitoring intracompartmental pressure under a cast is very important, it is not possible to perform it in every patient undergoing cast treatment. This study aims for an answer to the question whether skin surface pressure under a cast can reveal intracompartmental pressure.
Methods: A plaster cast was applied to a sculpted inflatable forearm model with dorsal and volar compartments. Skin surface pressures under the cast were measured at five different localizations from both dorsal and volar sides of the model and compared to corresponding intracompartmental pressures.
Results: All of the skin surface pressure measurements taken from the dorsal and volar side of the model were very correlated with intracompartmental pressure. Mean correlation coefficient of the measurements was .995 (P=000), (Std dev: .002, Minimum .992, Maximum .999).
Conclusion: Measuring the pressure between skin and cast can monitor intracompartmental pressure. Skin surface pressure monitoring can help to the physician, patient or parents in the follow up of patients undergoing cast treatment.