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Introduction:

A fracture is a break in the bone that is either partial or


entire, the plaster remains in place for about 2 to 6 weeks
or more based on the fracture situation, causing a
progressive loss of motion range.
Although using a cast is sometimes inevitable, it does
come with some risks. Complications due to
immobilization include joint stiffness, disuse syndrome,
muscle atrophy, as well as skin and circulation
complications.

Problem:
each immobilization material has a risk of common
complications they are likely to be associated with, (e.i.
Thermal burns, Pressure Sores, Skin irritation and
maceration, Compartment Syndrome, Deep Vein
Thrombosis, Soft Tissue Swelling, Venous Congestion,
Hematoma) especially in a patient with chronic disease.
Due to that, when selecting the appropriate casting
material, the physician must determine the goals and
anticipated duration of immobilization, considering both
patient and financial factors.

Result:
Studies related to the location of fractures for patients
who had done cast or splint application showed that
37.5% of children and adolescents, 48.5% of adults, and
66.9% of the elderly suffered fractures in the lower
extremities.
the clinical data of the study sample. one-fourth (25.1%)
had ankle and foot injuries, (15.7%) had leg injuries, and
the remaining reported injuries were in different body
parts. Duration of Gypsum cast ranged from one week
(5.4%) to more than six weeks (16.0%), and most
respondents reported a cast duration of three weeks
(22.6%) and four weeks (20.9%)
A total of 30.9% had complications related to gypsum
cast.

Stakeholders:
The different stakeholders’ perspectives on the problem:
The individual wearing the leg cast is the most important
stakeholder. Patients who suffer those with fractures:
hairline, oblique (non-displaced), linear. Their
perspective revolves around their comfort, pain
management, and the ability to go about their daily
activities. They may also be concerned about the healing
process, potential complications, and the duration of
wearing the cast. especially the elderly, diabetics, and
patients who are immobile, because they have a higher
risk of complications.

The stakeholder solving the problem for:


The main stakeholders in a cast treatment problem are
patients, healthcare providers, medical device
manufacturers, and caregivers. Patients are directly
impacted by cooling methods and may experience
benefits or limitations based on their comfort and healing
process. Healthcare professionals, such as doctors,
nurses, and physical therapists, play a crucial role in
prescribing and managing treatments. Medical device
manufacturers aim to create products that meet the needs
of healthcare providers and patients, balancing
effectiveness with practicality. Caregivers or family
members provide care and support to the patient,
assisting with cooling methods and monitoring their
.comfort

Currently applied to solve the problem:


What is currently applied to solve the problem are Gel
packs, cooling fabrics, water-based cooling, and tapping
with a metal spoon are methods to cool a cast. Gel packs
can be cooled in the refrigerator and inserted into
designated pockets but may require frequent re-cooling.
Cooling fabrics, such as moisture-wicking or phase-
change materials (Xu et al.,2021). Can be influenced by
external factors and may not provide sustained cooling.
Water-based cooling uses casts with water circulation
systems but is limited by capacity and potential leaks or
.maintenance issues

Solutions:
This innovation aims to prevent and reduce the risk of
cast complications for the lower extremities, decrease the
time to fracture union, improve fracture union rates, and
enhance functional recovery, it also aims to reduce the
incidence of skin complications.

- Option 1: One innovation that has been developed to


help reduce or prevent cast complications is the use
of 3D printing technology. With 3D printing,
customized and lightweight casts can be created,
allowing for better ventilation and hygiene. These
casts are also designed to be water-resistant, which
means patients can shower or swim while wearing
them, reducing the risk of skin infections.
Additionally, 3D printed casts can be easily
removed for medical examinations or adjustments
without the need for cutting or sawing. This
innovation not only enhances patient comfort but
also improves overall recovery outcomes by
minimizing the potential complications associated
with traditional casts.

- Option 2: The second innovation leg cuff Activating


blood circulation device (LCABC): is composed of
three separate components controller, leg sleeves,
and Tubing, providing adequate cold air flow which
delivers the set pressure pattern, it prevents blood
pooling and allows nutrients to reach the injury to
speed up healing. Cools the foot to relieve pain and
provide a feeling of comfort even with a splint,
which reduces the incidence of ulcers.

- Option 3: One option for leg cast care of a finger is


to regularly clean and moisturize the skin around the
cast. Use a damp cloth or sponge to gently wipe the
area, being careful not to get any moisture inside the
cast. After cleaning, apply a hypoallergenic lotion
or moisturizer to keep the skin hydrated and prevent
dryness or itching.

Selected option:
The second innovation is leg sleeves (the ideal size
for each leg). The sleeves are applied to the injured
person’s leg after measuring the circumference of
the foot to ensure the appropriate size (this
technique prevents friction on the skin because it
will not be loose or prevents excessive pressure
from the sleeves on the skin that causes pressure
ulcers). After ensuring that the sleeves fit the leg,
apply cotton to them and then apply a plaster.
Because the cast takes one to two days to dry
completely, the device will not work until at least 36
hours have passed (this is to avoid breaking or
distorting the gypsum before it dries). The date the
cast was placed is set on the device panel and the
date the splint is expected to be removed (this is to
ensure that the device will remind you to use it after
the cast dries and not before that).
the sleeves squeeze 360 degrees around the patient's
leg, (creating positional independence and
collapsing valve cusps where fatal blood clots can
form), to mimic the action and hemodynamic
benefits of walking. the sleeve has two separate
bladders which inflate sequentially, beginning at the
ankle with the pressure of 35 millimeters of mercury
pressure and moving up to the calf at 30 millimeters
of mercury pressure (maximizing leg blood flow
velocity promotes unidirectional blood flow to
reduce the risk of blood trapping). The device
pumps cool air into the bladder that gives the patient
a good feeling (it relieves pain and relieves the
itching resulting from the cast).

SWOT

Strengths:
1. Provides protection for the injured leg.
2. support and stability for effective bone healing.
3. Customized to fit each patient’s leg for proper fit and
preventing skin complications.
4. Allows easy tracking to ensure timely usage of the
device.
5. Effective blood circulation in the leg.
6. Cooling effect providing relief from pain and itching.

Weaknesses:
1. Delay in using the device for at least 36 hours.
2. Relies on the patient's compliance and adherence to
using.
3. Relies on the skill of the healthcare professional for
effective application.
4. Time-Consuming and it requires the patient to remain
still during the application.
Opportunities:
1. The leg sleeves can be further improved by
incorporating technologies such as sensors to monitor
blood flow and provide real-time feedback.
2. The device can be marketed to healthcare facilities and
professionals.
3. Research and innovation for improved materials and
methods.
4. Growth in rehabilitation services post-cast removal.
5. Patient education for better outcomes.
6. Integration of telemedicine for monitoring.
7. Environmentally friendly casting materials.

Threats:
1. Competing solutions or alternative treatments such as
orthopedic materials and surgical interventions.
2. Negative patient experiences and dissatisfaction.
3. Legal liabilities for complications.
4. Economic factors influencing treatment choices.

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