Sawdust-plaster cast mixture versus traditional cast: Which type reduced pain and increases comfort and enhancing healing process among patients with twisting: A randomized controlled clinical trial.

Abstract

Background: Musculoskeletal twisting injuries, such as strains and sprains, are common and can be treated using cast immobilization without the need for surgery. The study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of Sawdust-Plaster Cast Mixture Versus Traditional Cast: Which Type Reduced Pain and Increases Comfort and Enhancing the healing process among Patients with Twisting.

Materials and methods: The study was conducted from May to August 2025 and used a single-blind, true experimental design. Sixty patients with twisting injuries were randomly assigned to either the intervention group (n = 29), which received the sawdust-plaster cast, or the control group (n = 31), which received a standard cast. Pain and comfort levels were assessed using a visual analog scale (VAS), and the healing duration was recorded. Statistical analysis was performed using Statistical Package for the Social Sciences (SPSS) version 30.

Results: Compared to the standard cast (control) group, patients in the sawdust-plaster cast mixture (intervention) group reported a noticeably higher reduction in discomfort. The intervention group's mean pain score was 18.37 (P < 0.001), compared to 43.47 for the control group. Enhanced Comfort: Additionally, the intervention group reported feeling much more at ease. The intervention group's mean comfort score was 24.40 (P = 0.003), while the control group's was 36.21. For the sawdust-plaster cast mixture group, the healing period was noticeably shorter. The intervention group's mean recovery time was 25.11 days (P = 0.004), compared to 36.26 days for the control group.

Conclusion: The intervention showed a notable and clinically significant improvement in patient outcomes based on health policy criteria. This directly addressed important health policy goals for enhancing patient experience and care quality. Additionally, the average healing time decreased by more than 30% (36.26-25.11 days), demonstrating the effectiveness of the intervention in hastening patient recuperation and enhancing productivity. These results show that the intervention not only satisfies but also exceeds standards for efficient, patient-centered care.