In this first episode of Busting Myths with Laura and Dinesh, Dr Laura Hamill and Dr Dinesh Deonarain consider whether spider bites always require antibiotics and the evidence around the need to split plaster casts.
Check out the papers Laura and Dinesh recommend you read.
Isbister GK, Gray MR. White-tail spider bite: a prospective study of 130 definite bites by Lampona species. Med J Aust. 2003 Aug 18;179(4):199-202. doi: 10.5694/j.1326-5377.2003.tb05499.x. PMID: 12914510.
Zaino CJ, Patel MR, Arief MS, Pivec R. The effectiveness of bivalving, cast spreading, and webril cutting to reduce cast pressure in a fiberglass short arm cast. J Bone Joint Surg Am. 2015 Mar 4;97(5):374-80. doi: 10.2106/JBJS.N.00579. PMID: 25740027.
Barvelink B, Reijman M, Smidt S, Miranda Afonso P, Verhaar JAN, Colaris JW; CAST study group; CAST study group; van Beek F, Bouwhuis MG, Bruijninckx MMM, Greeven APA, Gosens T, Kok MJ, Kokke MC, Kraan GA, van Lakwijk K, Leijnen M, van Loon M, van Rijssel DA, Schep NWL, Scholtens L, Wijffels MME, Slebioda N, van der Zwaal P, Zwets E. Redisplacement of reduced distal radius fractures in adults: does the type of casting play a role? The CAST study, a multicentre cluster randomized controlled trial. Bone Joint J. 2024 Jul 1;106-B(7):696-704. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.106B7.BJJ-2024-0014.R1. Erratum in: Bone Joint J. 2024 Sep 1;106-B(9):1032. doi: 10.1302/0301-620X.106B9.BJJ-2024-00050. PMID: 38945541.
Wik TS, Aurstad AT, Finsen V. Colles’ fracture: dorsal splint or complete cast during the first 10 days? Injury. 2009 Apr;40(4):400-4. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2008.08.044. Epub 2009 Feb 4. PMID: 19195651.
Bullen M, Kinealy J, Blanchard R, Rodda C, Pivonka P. Comparison of the moulding ability of Plaster of Paris and polyester cast material in the healthy adult forearm. Injury. 2017 Nov;48(11):2586-2589. doi: 10.1016/j.injury.2017.08.010. Epub 2017 Aug 16. PMID: 28870625.
If you have any comments or suggestions of myths for their future consideration, email podcast@rnzcuc.org.nz
Always follow your local guidelines and policies. These discussions are designed to encourage you to engage with the literature.
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This podcast is intended to assist in ongoing medical education and peer discussion for qualified health professionals. Please ensure you work within your scope of practice at all times. For personal medical advice, always consult your usual doctor