SEPTEMBER 12, 2006
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Racer X Canada's product consultant, Rob McCullough, is back on the track. Photo: Jason T. Griffiths |
Before we get into this week’s Racer X Canada tested article, everyone at RXC would like to welcome back our product consultant, Rob McCullough. Last fall, Rob suffered injuries to both of his ankles, and he is just now getting back on a bike. (Actually, rumour has it that Rob could have returned to racing much earlier, but he caught wind of RXC’s Danny Brault’s new found speed, confidence and Carmichael-like endurance. So, he figured it would be best to not ride again until Giver sold his bike.)
Anyhoo, we are very excited to hear that Rob is returning to riding and racing this fall. Welcome back, Rob!
Product: Gore PROCEL Cast Liner
Contact: www.castliner.com
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GORE PROCEL Cast Liner |
Personal Experience: As a reasonably active forty something, I try to get in at least one hour of exercise everyday, whether it’s mountain biking, stair climbing, ice hockey, running, tennis or swimming, in an effort to fight off the effects of aging and poor genes. That said, late last year, a mistake on my part forced me to be confined to a wheelchair and in casts on both legs for three months. So, as you can imagine, it was a sobering thought with fortunately a silver lining.
That silver lining came from the inventors of Gore-Tex Fabric with products suitably named GORE PROCEL Cast Liner, ZIP STICK and DE-FLEX Strip. Obviously, when you think of Gore-Tex you think of a waterproof material and that is exactly what you get: a waterproof cast liner, instead of the traditional cotton material that breaks down, absorbs water and perspiration and allows bacteria and fungus to grow which leads to itching and that all too familiar odor we as racers know very well.
How it Works: When a synthetic or fiberglass cast padded with GORE PROCEL Cast Liner gets wet, most of the water drains quickly out of the ends of your cast. The remaining moisture is warmed by body heat, becomes vapor and passes through the Cast Liner and casting tape. No special drying is necessary.
Advantages: If your doctor approves, you may bathe regularly, swim and undergo hydrotherapy without covering or protecting your cast. You may wash or rinse the inside and outside of the cast with mild soap and water to eliminate odor and any possible irritation that may be related. In the most extreme cases, you could even ride, depending on your pain tolerance and the amount of healing. In my case, I noticed that my skin didn’t shed like a snake once my cast was removed which commonly occurs with traditional casting.
Accessories: Due to a ruptured Achilles tendon, I had graduated casts every two weeks for the first eight weeks. During the first removal, an overzealous health care professional cut me for three stitches on the outside of my ankle. Needless to say, neither the surgeon or patient were impressed, especially since it was my understanding that the saw couldn’t penetrate your skin. For this reason, GORE manufacturers DE-FLEX Strip and ZIP STICK that was installed inside of my new cast to eliminate operator error.
DE-FLEX Strip is a single-use, disposable product designed to be incorporated in the construction of a cast. It enables health care professionals to remove all casts with confidence, decreases patient anxiety during removals and can be used with any type or size of cast without adding bulk.
ZIP STICK is designed to slide between the patient’s skin and the PROCEL Cast Liner along the intended cutting line during cast removal.
Verdict: An unfortunate part of our sport is injuries and, as racers, we all know it’s not if but when you’re going to get hurt. So, with that in mind and if the injury requires casting, GORE PROCEL Cast Liner is your ticket to comfort and convenience regardless of any surcharge.
