A Comparison of Various Contemporary Methods to Prevent a Wet Cast.

Background: Many traditional methods and commercially available products are available to prevent a wet cast, although there is a paucity of literature regarding the optimal strategy.

Methods: Using a synthetic leg model, a short leg cast was applied and six different methods were tested. Group A (Glad Press'n Seal wrap), Group B (plastic bag with rubber band), Group C (plastic bag with duct tape), Group D (double plastic bags with duct tape), Group E (CVS Pharmacy Reusable Cast & Wound Protector), and Group F (Dry Corp Dry Pro Large Half Leg Waterproof Cast Cover). Casts were submerged in water for two minutes and were weighed. Each group had ten individual trials. Effectiveness was measured by calculating the amount of water absorption using cast weights before and after submersion.

Results: The percentage of water absorption prevention ranged from 62% to 100%, with Groups A and B being the least effective and Groups D, E, and F being the most effective. There was considerable variation in the simplicity of use. Groups C, D, and E were found to be simple to use, with increasing difficulty in Groups A, B, and F.

Conclusions: Our findings conclude that the six methods tested are effective in preventing the majority of water saturation. Although abstaining from contact with water is the most prudent approach, if a cast cover is to be used, double plastic bags with duct tape (100% prevention, $10) and the CVS cast protector (100% prevention, $13) are the preferred contemporary methods to prevent a wet cast.