Reusable Fiberglass & Polyester Combined Total Contact Cast System for Plantar Diabetic Foot Ulcers: Efficacy & Cost-Effectiveness
Summary: A retrospective study at Sakarya University evaluated a hybrid total contact cast (TCC) system made of fiberglass and polyester that can be reused in the treatment of plantar diabetic foot ulcers unresponsive to standard care. Results showed strong healing rates, comparable performance across ulcer sites, and potential cost advantages, suggesting this system could be a sustainable option in wound care.
Key Highlights:
- Healing rates: 75.7% of patients (53 out of 70) achieved complete wound closure.
- Non-healing outcomes: Of 17 patients who did not heal, 9 required minor amputation and 1 required a major amputation.
- Time to heal: Median closure time was ~64.5 days for forefoot ulcers and ~84.5 days for hindfoot ulcers, with no significant differences by location.
- Patient profile: Average patient age was 57 years; many had long-standing diabetes with peripheral neuropathy, and 5 patients presented with peripheral arterial disease.
- Cast design: The semi-rigid toe-to-knee system combined a rigid fiberglass structure with soft polyester wraps. Casts were reused after inspection and cleaning.
- Cost and sustainability: While no formal economic analysis was completed, the reusable design reduces waste and may lower overall treatment costs.
- Limitations: As a single-center, retrospective study, results need validation in larger multicenter prospective trials. Patient comfort and adherence should also be explored further.
Read the full article in Frontiers in Endocrinology
Keywords:
diabetic foot ulcer,
total contact cast,
offloading,
reusable cast,
cost effectiveness,
wound healing time