WOODCAST

  • Research type

    Research Study

  • Full title

    Woodcast vs Standard casting material for the immobilisation of wrist fractures treated non-operatively - A randomised feasibility trial

  • IRAS ID

    221715

  • Contact name

    Stephen Gwilym

  • Contact email

    steve.gwilym@ndorms.ox.ac.uk

  • Sponsor organisation

    University of Oxford

  • ISRCTN Number

    ISRCTN13706230

  • Duration of Study in the UK

    1 years, 1 months, 30 days

  • Research summary

    Wrist fractures are the most common fracture sustained by the adult population. The majority of wrist fractures can be treated without surgery. The preferred treatment option is typically cast immobilisation.

    One of the most commonly used casting methods in the UK is fibre glass. An alternative product is available - Woodcast - made of woodchips - which aims to improve patient comfort whilst being more environmentally friendly.

    The study will compare the fibre glass casting method to the Woodcast method. To date, no study has been performed comparing these two interventions; however, both casts are available and are used in the UK already.
    We plan to conduct a feasibility study to determine the rate of recruitment in two orthopaedic departments which will inform the design of a full-scale trial.

    We aim to recruit 120 participants, who will each be randomised to either the Standard (fibre glass) method or the Woodcast method. Participants will be asked to complete questionnaires relating to their level of pain and their recovery over a 3 month period after randomisation.

    The study's primary outcome is to assess the rate of participant recruitment, with secondary outcomes measuring clinical efficacy and patient satisfaction and safety.

  • REC name

    East Midlands - Leicester South Research Ethics Committee

  • REC reference

    17/EM/0103

  • Date of REC Opinion

    10 Mar 2017

  • REC opinion

    Favourable Opinion