Comparison of a Breathable Mesh Cast Versus Conventional Fiberglass Cast in Distal Radius Fractures: A Prospective Randomized Controlled Trial of 450 Patients
Original Article | Vol 12 | Issue 1 | January-June 2026 | page: 44-48 | Shivam Mehra, Kamal Mehra, Sachin Y. Kale, Nitesh Kumar Saini, Ameey Abhishek, Nikhil Makhija, Riddhi Shah
DOI: https://doi.org/10.13107/ti.2026.v12.i01.88 Submitted: 18/02/2026; Reviewed: 13/03/2026; Accepted: 25/03/2026; Published: 10/04/2026Authors: Shivam Mehra , Kamal Mehra , Sachin Y. Kale , Nitesh Kumar Saini , Ameey Abhishek, Nikhil Makhija , Riddhi Shah
[1] Department of Orthopaedics, Mehra Hospital and Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India [2] Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. D.Y. Patil School of Medicine, Navi Mumbai, Maharashtra, India. [3] Department of Orthopaedics, Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia Institute of Medical Sciences, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India Address of Correspondence Dr. Shivam Mehra Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, Mehra Hospital and Research Institute, Lucknow, Uttar Pradesh, India Email: drshivammehra@gmail.comAbstract
Introduction: Clavicle Background: Distal radius fractures are among the most common fractures managed conservatively. Conventional fiberglass casts, although effective in immobilization, are frequently associated with patient discomfort, itching, sweating, and skin-related complications due to poor ventilation and moisture retention [1,2]. Breathable mesh casts have been developed to improve ventilation, hygiene, and overall patient experience. Methods: A total of 450 adult patients with closed distal radius fractures were enrolled in this prospective randomized controlled trial and equally allocated into two groups: breathable mesh cast (n = 225) and conventional fiberglass cast (n = 225). The primary outcome was patient comfort assessed using the Visual Analog Scale (VAS) for itching. Secondary outcomes included skin complications, patient compliance, and radiological fracture union. Statistical analysis was performed using independent t-tests and chi-square tests, with p < 0.05 considered significant. Results: Mean VAS itching scores were significantly lower in the breathable cast group at all time points (p < 0.001). Skin complications occurred in 8.4% of patients in the mesh cast group compared with 25.3% in the fiberglass group (p = 0.001). Compliance was significantly higher in the mesh cast group (95.1% vs 84.0%, p = 0.006). Fracture union rates were comparable between the groups (97.3% vs 95.6%, p = 0.48). Conclusion: Breathable mesh casts significantly improve patient comfort and reduce skin complications without compromising fracture healing, making them a superior alternative to conventional fiberglass casts. Keywords: Breathable mesh, Cast, Distal radius fractures, VASReferences
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