Anxiety Reaction in Children During Cast Removal using Oscillating Saw versus Cast Shear - A Randomised, Prospective Trial

Introduction: To compare the anxiety levels demonstrated by children during cast removal procedure between oscillating saw vs cast shear methods.

Material and methods: A randomised prospective study of 102 children (mean age 8.3 ± 3.5 years) with fractures involving upper or lower limbs. Children undergoing removal of cast were divided into 2 groups; either by an oscillating saw or a cast cutting shear. The level of anxiety was assessed by recording the heart rate with a portable fingertip pulse oximeter before, during and after removal of the cast. Objective assessment was performed by documenting the fear level on Children's Fear Scale (CFS).

Results: There was a significant increase in the heart rate of children during cast removal while using the oscillating saw compared to cast shear (p<0.05). The noise level produced by the saw exceeded 80 dB (mean 103.3 dB). The fear level was significantly lower in the cast shear group (p<0.05).

Conclusion: The noise produced by the oscillating saw was associated with an increased anxiety level in children undergoing cast removal. Cast shear is a simple and inexpensive instrument that can be used for cast removal in overly anxious children.