Cast-saw burns: Comparison of technique versus material versus saws

Inadvertent cast-saw burns are attributable to inadequately padded casts, i mproper technique, or uncooperative patients. Cast-saw blade temperatures r ecorded while splitting plaster and fiberglass casts are elevated to a degr ee that would increase the risk of a second- or third-degree burn. Using st andardized plaster and fiberglass cast models, this study attempted to dete rmine whether the elevated temperature was a product of the saw, blade desi gn, blade material, technique of cast removal, or casting materials. The re sults demonstrated that cast-saw blades manufactured with stainless steel a re poorly suited for a device that uses friction to separate a cast. Modifi cations to the technique and varying the cast-saw models did not reduce the blade temperature consistently to <120-130 degrees F during normal operati ons.