Application of cast

APPLICATION OF CAST
Dr ogechukwu mbanu
Family medicine
department
Akth , kano Nigeria
31/01/2019

PRE TEST
•Regarding fiberglass
A.Lighter
B.Costly
C.Faster setting
D.All of the above
E. None of the above

•2 ) The following is a cast material
A.Plaster of paris
B.Fiberglass
C.Thermoplastics
D.Polyster / cotton knit
E.wax

•3) setting time is reduced by
A.High temperature
B.Salt solution
C.Reuse of dipping water
D.Borax solution
E.Low temperature

•4 ) An ideal cast
A.Does not transmit air ,water , odour and pus
B.Easily affected by water
C.Easy to mold
D.Short shelf life
E.Expensive

•5) Uses of cast includes one of the following
A.To stabilize and rest joints in ligamentous
injury
B.To correct deformity
C.To make negative mold of a part of the body
D.A splint for un-displaced fractures
E.None of the above

OUTLINE
• INTRODUCTION
• HISTORY
• USES OF CAST
• AN IDEAL CAST
• CAST MATERIALS
• CLASSIFICATION OF CASTS
• METHODS OF APPLICATION OF
CAST
• TYPES OF CASTS
• THE PROCEDURE
• RULES OF APPLICATION OF POP
CASTS
• IMMEDIATE POST APPLICATION
PRECAUTIONS
• CAST CARE INSTRUCTIONS
• COMPLICATIONS OF PLASTER
APPLICATION
• CAST DISEASE /FRACTURE
DISEASE
• REMOVING A CAST
• CONTRAINDICATIONS
• CONCLUSION

INTRODUCTION
•A cast is a rigid external immobilizing device that is molded to
contours of the body
•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

HISTORY
•Earliest examples of the active management of fractures
in humans were discovered at Naga-ed-Der in 1903 by Dr.
GA Reisner
•One of the earliest descriptions of casting material was by
Hippocrates in 350 BC.
•He wrote about wrapping injured limbs in bandages
soaked in wax and resin
•Edwin Smith Papyrus (copied circa 1600 BC) described
use of self setting bandages, probably from embalmers by
Egyptians

HISTORY – 2
•Rhazes Athuriscus(960-1013 AD), described the use of
both clay gum mixtures and flour and egg white as
casting materials
•Advances in the choice of materials were made during
the wars
•Plaster of Paris bandages were first used by Antonius
Matthysen , A Dutch military surgeon in 1852
•It is commercially available since 1931.

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

WHAT IS PLASTER OF PARIS
•Plaster of Paris is calcined gypsum (roasted gypsum), ground to
a fine powder by milling
•The Plaster bandages consist of a cotton bandage that has been
combined with plaster of Paris
•When water is added, the more soluble form of calcium sulfate
returns to the relatively insoluble form, and heat is produced
•It hardens after it has been made wet.
2 (CaSO4·½ H2O) + 3 H2O → 2 (CaSO4.2H2O) +Heat[1]

WHAT IS PLASTER OF PARIS – 2
•The first step after application is called the setting
stage with a slight expansion in volume.
• The second stage is the hardening stage
•Movement of plaster while it is setting will cause
gross weakening
•Plaster is still widely popular, it is cheap, non-irritant
and easy to apply

PLASTER OF PARIS
•Setting time – Time taken to convert
from powder form to crystalline
form
• Average time is 3-10 minutes
•Drying time – Time taken for Plaster
of Paris to convert from crystalline
from to anhydrous form (36-72
hours)
• Influenced by ambient temperature
and
• humidity
•The optimum strength is achieved
when it is completely dry
Setting time is
Reduced by --
•High Temperature
•Salt solution
•Borax Solution
•Addition Of Resin
•Reuse of dipping water
Increased by -
•Low temperature
•Sugar solution

ADVANTAGES /DISADVANTAGES OF POP
ADVANTAGES
•Slower setting
•Can be used in an acute
setting
•Infinitely moldable when wet
•Does not cause allergic
reactions in most people
•Easy to remove
•Cheap
• durable
DISADVANTAGES
•Heavy
•Messy
•Significantly weakened if cast
is wet
•Partially radio-opaque
•Comes in only white colour

WHAT ABOUT FIBERGLASS CAST ?
•A fiberglass cast is the plaster cast made from fiberglass
material
•Also called glass-reinforced plastic[GRP] or glass fiber
reinforced plastic [GFRP] , synthetic cast
•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

ADVANTAGES AND DISADVANTAGES OF FIBERGLASS CAST
Advantages
• Lighter
• Faster setting
• Three times stronger than POP
• Impervious to water
• Radiolucent
• Comes in different colours
Disadvantages
• Costly
• Less pliable so more difficult to mold
i.e. more stiff
• Higher risk of pressure on and
constriction of the limb
• Not usually used in acute conditions
• More prone to give rise to allergic
reactions (polyurethane may irritate
the skin)
• Carcinogenic ???

CLSSIFICATION OF CASTS
Based on Pattern Of Application
• Slab:
• POP encloses partial circumference eg
Short arm back Slab
• Cast :
• POP encloses full circumference ex Short leg
full Plaster
• Spica:
• includes trunk and one or more limbs ex : Hip Spica
• Brace:
• Splintage which can allow motion at adjacent joints

METHODS OF POP APPLICATION OF CAST
• There are three methods of applying a POP cast.
• Skin tight 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.
• Bologna cast:
• How generous amount of cotton padding is applied to the limb
before putting the cast. This is the commonly employed method.
• Three tier 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.

TYPES OF CAST
Type of cast Location Uses
Short arm
cast
Applied below the
elbow to the hand
Forearm or wrist fractures. Also used to
hold the forearm or wrist muscles and
tendons in place after surgery.
Long arm
cast
Applied from the
upper arm to the
hand.
Elbow, or forearm fractures.
Also used to hold the arm or elbow muscles
and tendons in place after surgery
Arm
cylinder
cast
Applied from the
upper arm to the
wrist
To hold the elbow muscles and tendons in
place after a dislocation or surgery
Shoulder spica
cast
Applied around the neck and
trunk of the body
After surgery on the neck or upper back area
Minerva cast Around the neck and trunk of
the body
After surgery on the neck or upper back area

Short leg cast Applied to the area below the knee to
the foot
Lower leg fractures ,severe ankle sprains
/strain ,or fractures.
Leg cylinder cast From the upper thigh to the ankle Knee ,or lower leg fracture ,knee
dislocations ,or after surgery on the leg
or knee area
Unilateral hip spica cast Applied from the chest to the
foot on one leg.
Femoral fractures.
To hold the hip or thigh
muscles and tendons in
place after surgery to allow
healing.
One and
one-half hip
spica cast
Applied from the chest to the
foot on one leg to the knee of
the other leg. A bar is placed
between both legs to keep the
hips and legs immobilized
Femoral fracture.
To hold the hip or thigh
muscles and tendons in
place after surgery to allow
healing
Bilateral
long leg hip
spica cast
Applied from the chest to the feet. A bar
is placed between both legs to keep the
hips and legs immobilized
Pelvis, hip, or femora fractures.,
to hold the hip or thigh muscles, tendons
in place after surgery to allow healing

Short leg hip
spica cast
Applied from the chest
to the thighs or knees
To hold the hip muscles and
tendons
in place after surgery to allow
healing
Abduction
boot cast
Applied from the upper thighs
to the
feet. A bar is placed between
both
legs to keep the hips and legs
immobilized
To hold the hip muscles
and tendons in place
after surgery to allow
healing

THE PROCEDURE – BEFORE PROCEDURE
•Make sure to identify the patient
•Examine the limb and fracture site,
•Check for any skin lesions
•Assess neurovascular status
•Radiographs should also be reviewed thoroughly
to determine fracture pattern

THE PROCEDURE – BEFORE PROCEDURE – 2
•Examination of the displacement and assessment of the
forces required to reduce and hold reduction
•Determine the type of cast that is needed
•Explain the procedure to the patient and expected
outcome
•Obtain informed consent
•Assemble what you need for the procedure

THE PROCEDURE – 4
•Casting materials are available in various
widths
•6 inch for thigh
• 3 - 4 inch for lower leg
• 3 - 4 inch for upper arm
• 2 - 4 inch for forearm

THE PROCEDURE – 5
•Having reduced the fracture
•Place joint in position of function
•The padding ( or Stockinette )is measured and applied to
cover the area and extend about 6 cm beyond each end of
the intended cast site
•Put POP inside a bowl of water and allow air bubbles to
escape
•Roll padding distal to proximal
•50 % overlap
•2 layers minimum
•Extra padding at bony prominences eg malleoli, patella, and
olecranon

THE PROCEDURE – 6
•Padding or Stockinette should not be too tight
•Wrinkling over flexion points and bony prominences
should be minimized by smoothing or trimming
•Bring out POP , squeeze out water ,apply and mold
•Avoid molding with anything but the heels of the palm in
order to avoid pressure points
•Excess stockinette is folded back over the edges of the
splint to form a smooth, padded edge.

THE PROCEDURE – APPLICATION OF PADDING

TH PROCEDURE – HANDLING OF AUTOBAND/PLASTER
BANDAGES

RULES OF APPLICATION OF POP CASTS
• Choose the correct size
• Usually the joint above and a joint below should ideally be included.
• This is done to eliminate movements of the joints on either side of the
fractures.
• It should be moulded with the palm and not with the fingers for the
fear of indentation.
• The joints should be immobilized in functional position.
• The plaster should be snugly fit and should not be too tight or too
loose.
• Uniform thickness of the plaster is preferred.

IMMEDIATE POST APPLICATION PRECAUTION
•Inform patient about thermal changes after application of
plaster
•Observe for changes in skin Colour which can indicate
impairment of circulation
•Whenever possible , the injured limb should be elevated
•In case of arm and forearm a sling may be used
•In case of lower limb the leg may be elevated on pillows and
the end of the bed raised
•Check X Ray should be done after application of each cast to
confirm the acceptability of reduction.

ASSISTIVE DEVICES FOR PATIENTS WITH CASTS INCLUDE
•Crutches
•Walkers (children)
•Wheelchairs
•Reclining wheelchairs

CAST CARE INSTRUCTIONS
•Patients or parent /guardian should be given written
instructions on how to manage the fracture /cast
•Keep the cast clean and dry
•Check for cracks or breaks in the cast.
•Do not scratch the skin under the cast by inserting objects
inside the cast.
•Do not put powders or lotion inside the cast.
•Cover the cast while your child is eating to prevent food spills
and crumbs from entering the cast.

CAST CARE INSTRUCTIONS – 2
• Prevent small toys or objects from being put inside the cast.
• Encourage your child to move his or her fingers or toes to promote circulation.
• Do not use the abduction bar on the cast to lift or carry the child.
• Use a diaper or sanitary napkin around the genital area to prevent leakage or
splashing of urine.
• Place toilet paper inside the bedpan to prevent urine from splashing onto the cast
or bed
• In case of itching apply ice packs or place hair dryer (cool air)against one of the
ends to draw air in through it

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

COMPLICATION OF PLASTER
Due to improper applications :
• Joint stiffness and malposition of limb.
• Plaster blisters and sores.
• Pressure Sores
Due to plaster allergy :
• Allergic contact dermatitis –
• The skin symptoms of irritation are usually all mild and Temporary.
• Quaternary ammonium compound BENZALKONIUM CHLORIDE is the
allergen responsible for plaster of Paris-induced allergic contact
dermatitis
• Purulent dermatitis

COMPLICATION OF PLASTER
Due To Tight Cast
•Oedema distal to the plaster
•Compartment syndrome
•Nerve Palsy
•Circulatory Complications Others
•Gangrene complicating fractures
•Deep vein Thrombosis
•Hypostatic pneumonia
•Disuse osteoporosis and renal calculus formation

PLASTER DISEASE
•When a limb is put into Plaster and the joints immobilized for a
long period ,
• joint stiffness,
• muscle wasting and
• osteoporosis are unavoidable.
•This syndrome can be reduced to a minimum
by the early use of
• functional braces,
• isometric exercise and
• early weight bearing.
•These in turn promote a rapid retrieval of
function.

FRACTURE DISEASE
Prolonged immobilization can lead to :
• vicious cycle of pain,
• swelling, and
• unresolved edema.
• Edema fluids congeal and gets converted to a gelatinous material and
deposited around joints and tendons causing :
• joint stiffness,
• contracture and
• tendon adhesions.
• Muscle atrophy, brawny skin /induration, and osteoporosis follow
• Reflex sympathetic dystrophy may sometimes occur and further
complicate the picture

REMOVING A CAST
• Duration to keep Plaster or cast in place is dependent upon:
• the fracture site,
• Type
• soft tissue condition
• Functional condition of the limb
• Roughly the time duration be :
For children :
• Upper limb-3 weeks
• Lower limb-6 weeks
For adult :
• Upper limb-6 weeks
• Lower limb-12 weeks

REMOVING A CAST – 2
Using shears
• Heel of the shears must lie between plaster and skin,
• avoiding bony prominences
• Avoid cutting over concavities
• The route of the shears should lie over compressible soft tissue
• The lower handle should be parallel to the plaster
Using electric saw
• Do not use unless there’s wool padding
• Do not use over bony prominences
• The cutting movement should be up and down not lateral
• Do not use blade if bent, broken or blunt

CONTRAINDICATIONS
•Open fractures
•Impending compartment syndrome
•Neurovascular compromise
•Developing or active reflex sympathetic dystrophy
•Skin infection or ulcers
•Swelling of the limb
•Allergy to cast materials
•Comminuted fractures

CONCLUSION
• Cast application is given for treatment of fractures and other orthopedic
ailments
• Though a very safe mode of treatment , complications may occur
• For the successful treatment of patients, it is important to appreciate :
• how cast works,
• how it should be used, and
• what can go wrong.
• We should remember that Ambulation with casts is important and
patient may require assistive devices
• It is important to form a therapeutic alliance with patient / care giver
and help them understand their role in care of cast and overall outcome
of the treatment plan

REFFERENCE
• Plaster Of Paris By Dr Chinmoy Mazumber
• Closed Reduction ,Traction ,And Casting Techniques By David Hak
• Plaster In Orthotics
• Wikipedia
• Boyd A S Et Al. Splints And Casts: Indications And Methods. Am Fam
Physician. 2009;80(5):491-499.
• Boyd A S Et Al. Principles Of Casting And Splinting. Am Fam Physician.
2009;79(1):16-22, 23-24
• Cast-and-bandaging-techniques. Available At
Http://Hubpages.Com/Hub/Cast-and-bandaging-techniques
• Principles of use of POP by Bassey AE

REFFERENCE
• Dr Arun Pal Singh Applications Of Plaster Cast
Http://boneandspine.com
• Cast Types And Maintenance Instructions
Http://stanfordchildrens.org
• Dr Arun Pal Singh ;Fiberglass Cast – Indications , Applications And Care
Http://boneandspine.com
• Fracture Education : Management Principles
Https://rch.Org.Au
• Bracing For Breaks – How Orthotics Can Help You Recover From A Fracture
Https://hortonsoandp.com
• Plaster Of Paris–short History Of Casting And
• B. Szostakowski, P. Smitham, And W.S. Khaninjured Limb Immobilization Open Orthop J.
2017; 11: 291–296.
Http://.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov
• Ferguson G F , Lord S M . practical procedures in Accident and emergency Medicine
Great Britain : Butterworth & co Ltd ;1986 .

Application of cast

More Related Content

What's hot (20)

Similar to Application of cast (20)

More from Ogechukwu Uzoamaka Mbanu (19)

Recently uploaded (20)

Application of cast

Editor's Notes