| 46 | Clinical Research |
The soft total contact cast: a novel method for functional offloading Authors: Desmond P. Bell, Jr., DPM, CWS, FCCWS, FAPWCA Effective offloading of plantar foot ulcers is a challenging and critical component of successful wound healing. For offloading to be optimal, it must be continuous, and well tolerated while reducing focal pressure at the ulcer site. Various factors must be considered when choosing the type of offloading method to be employed in each patient, including ambulatory status, stability of gait, functional independence and level of perceived compliance, to name a few. Clinicians must be able to apply selected methods of offloading easily, efficiently and cost effectively while achieving consistent results. The "Soft Total Contact Cast" evolved out of necessity. It is a method of offloading that has borrowed components of the traditional total contact cast. It is utilized on patients where stability, activities of daily living, and compliance are concerns and where non-interrupted offloading is required. It is not time intensive and does not require costly materials to apply. It has been utilized in thousands of applications, is well tolerated, and has been shown to be an effective method for offloading. It has also been used in conjunction with a variety of primary dressings, bi-layered living skin substitute, and vacuum assisted closure. |
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