APPLICATION OF CAST Flashcards
a rigid external immobilizing device that is molded to contours of the body
Cast
It can be said to be a shell, frequently made from plaster or fiberglass, encasing a limb (or, in some cases, large portions of
the body) to stabilize and hold anatomical structures, most often a fractured bone (or bones), in place until healing is confirmed.
• Various materials have been used since ancient times
Cast
USES OF CAST
• To Support fractured bones, controlling movement of fragments and resting the
damaged tissues
• A plaster back slab can provide excellent pain relief
• To stabilize and rest joints in ligamentous injury
• To support/ immobilize joints & limbs post operatively until healing has occurred
• To correct a deformity
• External splint for blocking movements in cases of nerve ,tendon , vessel injury ,
after arthroplasty
• To make negative mold of a part of body
• Helps to prevent or decrease muscle contractions
• A splint for un - displaced fractures
• External splint to aid with the internal fixation of the fractures ,osteotomies
AN IDEAL CAST:
• Suitable for direct application
• Easy to mold
• Nontoxic for patient
• Unaffected by water
• Transparent to x-rays
• Quick setting
• Able to transmits air, water,
odour and pus
• Strong but light in weight
• Non-inflammable
• Non messy application and
removal
• Long shelf life
• cheap
CAST MATERIALS
❑Plaster of paris (white in color)
❑Fiberglass (comes in a variety of colors, patterns, and designs)
❑Thermoplastics
❑Polyester / cotton knit
cast is the plaster cast made from fiberglass material
It is a fiber reinforced polymer made of a plastic matrix reinforced by
fine fibers of glass.
• Fiberglass bandages are impregnated with polyurethane
• used mostly in those cases where the healing process has already begun
FIBERGLASS CAST
fiberglass cast is also called
glass-reinforced plastic[GRP] or glass fiber reinforced plastic
[GFRP]
CLASSIFICATION OF CASTS
SLAB
CAST
SPICA
BRACES
POP encloses partial circumference eg
Short arm back Slab
SLAB
POP encloses full circumference ex Short leg
full Plaster
CAST CAST
includes trunk and one or more limbs ex : Hip Spica
SPICA
Splintage which can allow motion at adjacent joints
BRACE
Three METHODS OF POP APPLICATION OF CAST
SKIN TIGHT CAST:
BOLOGNA CAST:
THREE TIER CAST:
Here the cast is directly applied over the skin. Dangerous as it may
cause pressure sores. It is difficult to remove as the hairs may be
incorporated into the cast and hence it is not recommended.
SKIN TIGHT CAST:
How generous amount of cotton padding is applied to the limb
before putting the cast. This is the commonly employed method.
BOLOGNA CAST:
Here stockinette is used first, over which cotton padding is done
before applying the POP cast. It is an ideal method, but it is
expensive.
THREE TIER CAST:
ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR PATIENTS WITH CASTS INCLUDE
❑Crutches
❑Walkers (children)
❑Wheelchairs
❑Reclining wheelchairs
WHEN TO COME BACK TO THE HOSPITAL
❑Cast is too tight
❑Develops Fever
❑Increased pain
❑Increased swelling above or below the cast
❑Complaints of numbness or tingling
❑Drainage or foul odor from the cast
❑Cool or cold fingers or toes
❑Can’t move fingers or toes
the
allergen responsible for plaster of Paris-induced allergic contact
dermatitis
BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE
