Casts are a common treatment for fractures. Casts are used to immobilize injured bones, promote healing, and reduce pain and swelling while the bone heals. They are sometimes put on an arm or leg after surgery to protect the bone and ensure it remains in proper alignment. Getting a cast put on is not painful. You and your child will be brought into the
cast room by one of our cast technicians. The cast application will vary depending upon what type of cast your child will be receiving. Your cast technician will go over the specific details with you. Your child will feel warmth as the fiberglass gets hard. It will not burn but should feel warm like a bath. This reaction will last about 10 minutes. It will take less than five to 10 minutes for the cast to completely set. Can my child get a waterproof cast?This is a good thing to ask about during your appointment. A waterproof cast might or might not be the right option for your child. If your child is eligible for a waterproof cast, they will need to wait at least one to two weeks before switching to a waterproof cast. This is because the tissues around a broken bone often swell at first. Many insurance companies do not cover the cost for a waterproof cast. If not, you may purchase a special waterproof sleeve to protect your child’s plaster or fiberglass cast. Waterproof casts are ideal for baths, showers, and swimming pools. Your child should not wear their waterproof cast in the ocean, a hot tub, at the beach, or in a pond. Sand and debris can get inside the cast and irritate the skin. Waterproof casts must get completely submerged in water daily to keep the lining of the cast in good condition. When the time comes, make sure an experienced clinician or technician removes your child’s waterproof cast. Moving around while in a castIf your child has a broken leg and has been instructed not to bear weight on their cast, there are many kinds of assistive devices to help them get around:
Removing a castCast removal can be a scary thing for children. The cast technician will use an oscillating saw to remove the cast. An oscillating saw does not spin, it rapidly vibrates back and forth. The cast saw makes a lot noise. Some children are afraid of this at first, but start to laugh when they feel the vibration of the saw cutting through the cast material. It is very important to tell your cast technician if your child has picked out some of the padding or placed anything inside the cast. Caring for your leg or arm castOnce your child has been fitted with a cast there are important guidelines to follow. Our cast technicians will go over these instructions with you and your child. Cast care
Skin care with a cast
Keeping your child comfortable
Caring for a body castOlder children with body casts may need to use a bedpan or urinal in order to go to the bathroom. The following tips will help keep the body cast clean and dry and prevent skin irritation:
What should I do if my child’s cast has gotten wet?If your child’s cast has gotten wet, please contact us immediately at 617-355-6021. Unless your child has a waterproof cast, a wet cast can lead to complications and need immediate attention. A nurse will decide if your child needs to be seen that day, or the next. If your child’s fiberglass or plaster cast has gotten wet, your child may need to be seen that day. If your child’s cast gets wet after normal business hours, please contact the orthopedic physician on call through the page operator at 617-355-6000. Your child may need to be seen in the emergency department to have their cast changed. When to call your child's doctorContact your child's doctor or health care provider if your child develops one or more of the following symptoms
What is used to make plaster for fractured bones?Plaster of Paris is used to joint fracture bones and keeping them immobilize. A compound of calcium is used for immobilising the fractured bones of body. Which property of the compound helps to make plaster? Assertion (A): Plaster of Paris is used by doctors for setting fractured bones.
What is a plaster cast called?Splint (also called a half cast). This is made from slabs of plaster or fiberglass that hold the injury still. A bandage is wrapped around the injury to hold the plaster slabs in place.
Is a type of orthotic used to support weakened body parts correct deformities and prevent joint movement?Static orthoses are rigid and are used to support weakened or paralyzed body parts in a particular position. Dynamic orthoses are used to facilitate body motion to allow optimal function.
What type of plaster is used for casts?The most widely used plaster in the pottery studio is USG® No. 1 Pottery Plaster. This plaster is ideal for making slip-casting molds and other plaster castings where a high degree of water absorption is required.
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