CASTS & SPLINTS
Splints and casts support and protect
injured bones and soft tissue, reducing pain, swelling, and muscle
spasm. In some cases, splints and casts are applied following
surgery.
Casts are custom-made and applied by
your doctor or an assistant. Casts are often made of plaster or
fiberglass. Splints or half casts also can be custom-made, especially
if an exact fit is necessary. Other times, a ready-made splint
will be used. These off-the-shelf splints are made in a variety
of shapes and sizes, and are much easier and faster to use. They
have Velcro straps which make the splints easy to adjust, and
easier to put on and take off. Unfortunately, splints offer less
support and protection than a cast and may not a treatment option
in all circumstances.
Fiberglass or plaster materials form
the hard supportive layer in splints and casts. Fiberglass is
lighter in weight, longer wearing, and "breathes" better
than plaster. Both materials come in strips or rolls which are
dipped in water and applied over a layer of cotton or synthetic
padding covering the injured area. Both fiberglass and plaster
splints and casts use padding, usually cotton, as a protective
layer next to the skin. When cotton padding, synthetic padding,
or plaster is used in the making of a cast, the cast must be kept
dry. If these materials become wet significant problems may develop.
When a plaster cast gets wet, the cast becomes soft, loses strength,
and may no longer adequately immobilize the injured area. As a
result, broken bones may heal in the incorrect position if the
cast is not replaced. When the cotton or synthetic padding gets
wet, it is very difficult to dry. As a result, the wet skin under
the wet padding may develop rashes, infections, or become macerated.
All of these conditions, require further treatment. To keep these
types of casts dry, it is necessary to wear plastic shower bags
which are commercially available.
Recently, Gortex cast padding has been
developed. This padding is completely waterproof and allows a
patient to completely immerse the cast in water without requiring
the protection of a plastic bag. With this type of cast padding,
coupled with the application of a fiberglass cast, patients may
do activities such as showering and swimming without worrying
about keeping the injured extremity dry. However, there are some
clinical circumstances when this type of cast padding may not
be applied.
The splint or cast must fit the shape
of the injured arm or leg correctly to provide the best possible
support. Sometimes, it may be necessary to replace a cast as swelling
decreases and the cast "gets too big." Often as a fracture
heals, a splint may be applied again to allow easy removal for
therapy.
CAST CARE TIPS
If your treatment is to be successful,
you must follow your doctor's instructions carefully. The following
information provides general guidelines only, and is not a substitute
for your doctor's advice.
DO's of CAST CARE
1. Swelling due to your injury may
cause pressure in your splint or cast for the first 48 to 72 hours.
This may cause your injured arm or leg to feel snug or tight in
the splint or cast. To reduce the swelling:
2. Keep your cast dry if it has a cotton
or synthetic lining or if it is a plaster cast. Use a shower bag
for bathing. 3. If you have a Gortex cast, you may
shower or swim, but rinse well with tap water afterwards. 4. File down any rough spots with an emery board. 5. To ease any discomfort from itching,
you may blow cool air inside the cast with a hair dryer. 6. Check circulation by pressing on
the nail bed. The nail should turn pale when pressed, but normal
color should return immediately when the pressure on the nail
is removed. If this does not happen, contact your physician. 7. Inspect the skin around the cast.
If your skin becomes red or raw around the cast, contact your
doctor. 8. Inspect the cast regularly. If it
becomes cracked or develops soft spots, contact your doctor. 9. Keep dirt, sand, and powder away
from the inside of your splint or cast
DON'Ts of CAST CARE
1. Do not get your cast wet, unless
you have a Gortex cast.
2. Do not insert any object objects
such as coat hangers into the cast to relieve itching. Instead,
use the cool setting on a hair dryer to blow air into the cast.
3. Do not apply powders or deodorants
to itching skin. If itching persists, contact your doctor.
4. Do not pull out the cast padding.
It is there to protect your skin.
5. Do not break or trim the cast edges.
After application of a splint or cast,
it is very important to elevate your injured arm or leg for 24
to 72 hours. The injured area should be elevated well above the
heart. Rest and elevation greatly reduce pain and speed the healing
process by minimizing early swelling. If you experience
any of the following warning signs, contact your doctor's office
immediately for advice.
Never remove the cast yourself. You may cut your skin or prevent proper healing of your injury. Your doctor will use a cast saw to remove your cast. The saw vibrates, but does not rotate. If the blade of the saw touches the padding inside the hard shell of the cast, the padding will vibrate with the blade.
THIS MATERIAL DOES NOT CONSTITUTE MEDICAL ADVICE. IT IS INTENDED FOR INFORMATIONAL PURPOSES ONLY. PLEASE CONSULT A PHYSICIAN FOR SPECIFIC TREATMENT RECOMMENDATIONS.
THE CENTER FOR ORTHOPAEDICS AND SPORTS MEDICINE
1211 JOHNSON FERRY RD.; MARIETTA, GA., 30068
770-565-0011
http://www.arthroscopy.com
