Usefulness of THERMAL GIPS^® for External Fixation after Nasal Bone Fracture Reduction

Abstract

　　We used THERMAL GIPS^®, which can be easily molded after being softened with boiling water, for external fixation after reduction of nasal fractures, and examined its usefulness.
　　In 21 cases of fresh nasal fractures, 14 cases using THERMAL GIPS^® and 7 cases using Denver Splint^® were compared. On the day after surgery and one week after surgery, the presence of gaps between the skin and the gips was evaluated, and patients were asked and surveyed about the feeling of wearing and the ease of self-fitting.
　　A gap between the skin and the gips was not observed in all patients in the THERMAL GIPS^® group on the day after the operation, but a slight gap was observed in 4 in the Denver Splint^® group. One week after the operation, the THERMAL GIPS^® group had 9 patients with no gap and 5 with a slight gap, whereas the Denver Splint^® group had 5 patients with a slight gap and 2 with a noticeable gap. THERMAL GIPS^® was rated higher in the interview survey regarding the feeling of wearing and the ease of self-fitting.
　　THERMAL GIPS^® are highly moldable, and can be processed and adapted three-dimensionally to complicated surface shapes, and even inexperienced doctors can make fine adjustments repeatedly. Furthermore, their cost is low, making them useful as an external fixing material after reduction of a nasal fracture.