Efficacia della valva di posizione con scarico al tallone nei bambini portatori di apparecchio gessato agli arti inferiori. Trial randomizzato controllato in aperto.

. Efficacy of splint with heel off-loaded in children with lower limbs plaster cast. Randomised open label trial. Introduction Plasters cast are medical devices widely used in paediatric orthopaedics; however, few studies have addressed the occurrence and prevention of device-related complications. Aim To evaluate whether positioning a custom made splint with heel off-loaded, would relieve pain, reduce care interventions, the materials to maintain heel unloading position and, at the same time, improve comfort and reduce pressure sores in children with lower limb plaster. Methods Children enrolled in the study were randomised to splint, provided with a custom made splint positioned underneath the lower limb plaster after surgery; in the second group (control) the plaster position was maintained with cushions. Results A total of 57 children were enrolled from November 2014 to August 2015, 29 in the treatment group (50.8%) and 28 in the control group (49.2%). Pain median levels were 4 (splint) vs. 5 (control) p=ns; mean number of care intervention was 2.1 (splint) vs. 5.2 (control) p Conclusions The use of splint is effective in reducing care intervention the use of other materials and in improving comfort, but not in relieving pain.