What is plaster cast?
A cast used for immobilizing a body part is called a medical cast. It is a material composed of plaster and water and is used for encasing and stabilizing fractured or injured bones. The cast consists of a fabric soaked in plaster that hardens when it comes into contact with water. When the plaster cast is properly applied to the injured body part, it provides support, prevents movement, and allows for the healing of bones or ligaments. Casts are commonly used in the treatment of bone fractures or after surgeries to ensure stability and facilitate the recovery process.
When is plaster used?
Plaster casts are used in various medical situations for immobilization or stabilization of body parts. Some of the most common cases where plaster casts are used include:
- Bone fractures: Plaster casts are frequently applied to immobilize broken bones, allowing for proper healing. They can be used for fractures of the arms, legs, feet, hands, or other body parts.
- Sprains: In more severe cases of sprains, where the injury is more significant or there is serious joint instability, plaster casts may be used as part of the therapy.
- Joint injuries: In case of ligament injuries or sprains, plaster casts can be applied to stabilize and reduce movement in the affected area.
- Postoperative rehabilitation: After surgeries involving bones, joints, or soft tissues, plaster casts can be used for support, reducing swelling, and speeding up the recovery process.
- Deformity correction: In some cases, plaster casts are used to correct bone or joint deformities, such as straightening curved bones or correcting the improper position of the limbs.
Types of plaster casts
There are several different types of plaster casts used in medical practice.
Conventional plaster cast: This is the most common type of plaster cast used for immobilizing bone injuries. It consists of a fabric soaked in plaster, which hardens when it encounters water. These casts are widely used to immobilize fractures or stabilize joints in sprains or injuries. They provide a strong and stable support and are often applied in standard bone injuries.
Plastic (fiberglass) cast: This type of plaster cast uses plastic materials, such as fiberglass or polyester, instead of traditional plaster. Plastic casts are lighter, water-resistant, and dry faster than conventional plaster casts. They also allow better ventilation of the skin beneath the cast. This type of cast is often used as an alternative to conventional plaster casts. It is suitable for patients who seek more comfort, mobility, and the ability to maintain hygiene during the immobilization period.
Thermoplastic cast: This type of plaster cast is made from a material that softens when heated and easily molds to the patient’s body. Once cooled, it becomes rigid and provides stability. Thermoplastic casts are usually lighter than conventional plaster casts and can be reshaped multiple times. They can be used in situations where precise molding to the patient’s anatomy is required, as well as in injuries that require periodic adjustment of the cast during the healing process.
Waterproof cast: This type of plaster cast is specifically designed to be water-resistant. Waterproof casts can be either conventional or plastic. These casts are recommended when maintaining hygiene is important for the patient and there is a need for bathing, showering, or swimming during the immobilization period. They allow the patient to maintain normal hygiene activities and a water-based lifestyle without compromising the integrity of the cast.
Plaster cast application
The process of applying a plaster cast and a fiberglass cast follows similar steps, but different materials are used for the wrapping and immobilization of the injury.
- Preparation: The physician will gather the necessary materials, including plaster or fiberglass strips, water, scissors, and elastic bandages.
- Surface preparation: The skin is cleaned and dried in the place where plaster or fiberglass will be applied.
- Padding: A soft padding, such as cotton wool or foam, is placed over the injured area to protect the skin from direct contact with the plaster.
- Soaking the strips: Plaster strips are immersed in water and left to soak according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Fiberglass strips are soaked in water according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and then gently squeezed to remove excess moisture.
- Plaster molding: Wet plaster strips are carefully placed over the injury and shaped to achieve the desired form and support. Wet fiberglass strips are applied over the injury and shaped to provide the necessary stability and support.
- Drying: The plaster is left to dry and harden. In this process, a chemical reaction between the water and the plaster causes the material to harden. Fiberglass dries faster than plaster, and the drying process can be completed within a few minutes.
It is important for the casting process to be performed by professionals such as physicians or trained medical personnel to ensure proper application and immobilization of the injury.
Relieving pain and swelling after applying a cast
- If possible, elevate the injured limb above the level of the heart to reduce swelling. You can use pillows or a cushion to support the injured part.
- Place an ice pack wrapped in a thin cloth on the area below the cast. Cold helps reduce swelling and alleviate pain. Keep the ice on the injured area for 15-20 minutes, every 2-3 hours during the first 24-48 hours after applying the cast.
- According to the doctor’s instructions, you can take anti-inflammatory medications such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen to reduce pain and swelling. It is important to follow the dosage and the doctor’s instructions.
- If the cast is applied to the upper part of the body (such as the arm), it is important to perform breathing exercises to prevent lung complications. Consult your doctor or physical therapist for recommended exercises and perform them regularly.
- Avoid putting weight or strain on the injured part that is covered by the cast. Follow the doctor’s instructions regarding activities to avoid.
- Consult your doctor to receive specific advice and instructions for relieving pain and swelling after applying the cast, as there may be individual variations in treatment and recommendations.
Tips for Cast Care
Do not expose the cast to water or moisture. If the cast gets wet, it can lose its strength and become less effective. Use a plastic bag or waterproof material to protect the cast during showers or baths. Try to avoid putting weight or pressure on the cast to prevent damage or shifting. Use crutches or a walker for support and keep the injured body part elevated whenever possible. Periodically check the cast to ensure there are no cracks or loose parts.
Avoid putting objects such as sticks, balls, or other materials inside the cast. This can cause skin irritation or damage to the injured area. Keep the skin under the cast clean and dry. If you experience itching, irritation, or redness of the skin, inform your doctor.
Always consult with your doctor or medical professional for specific advice on cast care, as recommendations may vary depending on the type of injury and the casting procedure.
Removing a Cast
Removing a cast should be done carefully and under the supervision of medical personnel. Your doctor or orthopedic specialist will assess your condition and determine the appropriate time for cast removal.
The process of removing a cast requires proper tools and expertise from medical professionals. Be cautious and follow their instructions to ensure a safe and painless procedure.
After the cast is removed, pay attention to the condition of the skin underneath. It may be dry, flaky, or sensitive. If you notice any changes or skin issues, inform your doctor.
It’s important to note that these are general guidelines, and the process of cast removal may vary depending on the type of injury and casting procedure. Never attempt to remove a cast on your own. Cast removal requires the expertise of medical personnel to avoid injury or complications.
Complications related to the use of a cast
- Itching and skin irritation underneath the cast due to moisture retention and inadequate airflow. This can be alleviated by gently inserting a soft object, such as a cotton swab, or by creating ventilation holes in the cast.
- Swelling around the injured area can occur while wearing a cast. If you experience severe pain, tingling, or numbness, it may indicate reduced blood circulation, and you should immediately inform a healthcare professional. In some cases, compromised circulation can lead to more serious complications, such as gangrene.
- If the skin underneath the cast becomes moist or damaged, an infection may develop. It is important to monitor the condition of the skin and watch for signs of inflammation or infection, such as redness, swelling, warmth, or discharge.
- Loss of muscle strength and flexibility: Immobilization in a cast can result in reduced muscle strength and flexibility in the injured area. Physical therapy may be necessary after cast removal to regain strength and mobility.
- Wearing a cast can increase the risk of blood clot formation (thrombosis). If you notice pain, swelling, or redness in the leg or arm that was immobilized in the cast, promptly contact your doctor.
It is important to monitor your condition while wearing a cast and regularly consult with a healthcare professional to avoid or deal with possible complications in time.
Proper cast care is crucial for optimal healing of the injury (keeping the cast dry, avoiding touching, or scratching underneath the cast, keeping the injured area elevated).
How to remove a cast?
Professional cast removal is important because qualified medical professionals trained in cast removal know the proper techniques and procedures to ensure safe and painless cast removal, avoiding any harm to the skin or the injured area. The doctor will assess the condition of the injury during the cast removal and monitor the progress of healing. If necessary, further steps can be taken to ensure complete and proper healing.
During the cast removal, the doctor will carefully examine the injured area and assess the presence of any complications or issues. If you notice any complications or problems related to the cast, such as severe pain, swelling, redness, heat, or numbness, it is important to consult your doctor. Your doctor will be able to assess the situation and provide the necessary care or treatment to address the complications and ensure proper healing of the injury.
