Plaster casts could be phased out by new technique

A revolutionary new treatment technique for certain types of limb injuries could see the end of plaster casts.

Surgeon Gordon Mackay has developed the new style of treatment, which utilises an internal support which is inserted into the body and injured limb via keyhole surgery.

He believes the new healing method is much more effective than traditional plaster casts as it avoids the issue of wasted muscle mass that comes with wearing a cast for long periods of time.

Plaster casts can also be quite uncomfortable to wear and can be a large source of inconvenience for the bearer.

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Professor MacKay said in an interview: “I think anyone who's had the experience of trying to put a knitting needle down the cast to get to an itch will realise that it is extremely movement.”

Professor MacKay, who is from the Ross Hall Hospital in Glasgow, has used the treatment on 20 patients in the UK so far.

He is now partnering with the Steadman Clinic in the US which is a popular treatment centre for athletes.