Fracture casts: conditions of procedure and treatment

One form of treatment for fractures or fractures is the installation of a cast. However, do you know what a cast is and what is the procedure for it to be placed and treated for people with fractures or fractures? Here's the complete information for you.

Cast definition and benefits

A cast is a medical device used to protect and support a broken or injured bone or joint. This device is placed on the area of ​​the body that has suffered a fracture by an orthopedist, a doctor who specializes in bone care.

The benefit of a cast is that it helps to hold and keep the ends of the broken bone in the proper position, and prevents the area around it from moving during the healing process. This device also helps prevent or decrease muscle contraction and keeps the affected area from moving, especially after fracture surgery.

In addition, applying a cast can also reduce the symptoms of fractures in the sufferer, such as pain.

Types of casts that are commonly used

Basically, a cast is a large, hard bandage that is made specifically for the shape of the body that has the fracture, such as the leg, hand, or other area of ​​the body. This device has two layers, namely a soft layer that is inside or attached to the skin and a hard layer on the outside that protects the bones.

The inner lining is usually made of cotton or other synthetic material to provide cushion around the bone area. However, this inner layer also sometimes uses a special waterproof coating, which allows patients, especially children, to wet the cast. However, this waterproof cast can only be used when the injured area has no swelling and cannot be used after surgery.

Meanwhile, the outer bandage layer can be made of plaster or fiberglass. Use of bandages from plaster or fiberglass have their respective advantages. The advantage of plaster casts is that they are cheaper and easier to mold or shape than those made from fiberglass. As for the advantages of the cast from fiberglass is:

• Lighter.
• More durable.
• The structure is porous, allowing air to enter and exit the cast.
• X-rays can penetrate fiberglass better than a bandage, making it easier for the doctor to re-x-ray the fracture during the healing process.
• Various colors, patterns, and designs, while the plaster is only white.

Apart from the material aspect, the shape of the cast can also vary depending on the location of the broken bone. For example, a cast for a broken wrist uses shapes short arm cast that is fixed under the elbow toward the hand, or fractures the lower leg using the shape short leg cast which is attached below the knee to the foot.

As for hip fractures, you can use the type bilateral long leg hip spica cast chest-to-leg, or other forms. Talk to your doctor about the right type of cast for your condition.

A fracture condition that requires a cast

Casts are the most commonly used type of non-surgical treatment for fractures. However, this type of treatment for bone structures is also often used after surgical insertion of pins in the area of ​​the broken bone, to prevent muscle contraction and movement of the limb.

However, not all types of fractures can use a cast to aid in the healing process. Generally, this device is not used in rib fractures and collarbone fractures.

In addition, the area of ​​the fracture that is swollen is not allowed to use this bandage. The reason is, a cast that is too tight can reduce blood circulation in the fracture area. In addition, this device is generally not needed in conditions of minor or non-severe fractures.

Preparation before applying a cast for a fracture

In fact, no special preparations are made before placing a cast on your body part. Your doctor may only perform imaging tests, such as X-rays, to diagnose the fracture and find out what type of fracture you have.

The doctor will also ensure that the body part that is injured and has a fracture is no longer experiencing swelling. If it is still swollen, the area of ​​the broken bone will be splinted first. A new cast will be put in once the swelling has subsided.

The procedure for placing a cast on a fracture patient

Before applying a cast bandage, the doctor will first align or align the bone fragments so that they heal in the correct position.

When the doctor straightens the bone from outside the injured area, it is called closed reduction. This is done by pressing the bone fragments into the correct position, and generally requires painkillers and sedatives (sedatives) during the procedure.

As for the more complicated or serious types of fractures, the process of straightening the bone is generally performed as a surgical procedure, also known as open reduction. After making sure the bone is in the right position, the new doctor will begin placing a cast in the location of the bone.

Reporting from Kids Health, actually installing a cast for a fracture is a relatively simple process. First, the doctor will put the stockinette first, which is a light and stretchy bandage, on the part of the body where the fracture is affected.

Second, a padded layer made of cotton or other soft material will coat these parts of the body to further protect the skin. These pads also provide elastic pressure to aid the bone healing process.

Third, the doctor will wrap the body part with an outer layer of plaster or fiberglass. This outer layer does look moist, but the material will begin to dry in about 10-15 minutes later, and will harden within 1-2 days. During this period, you need to be extra careful, as the plaster can break or crack as it begins to harden.

Finally, doctors sometimes make small incisions over the outer layer of the bandage so that there is room for swelling to occur.

Post-cast care for fractures

Using a cast on certain parts of your body, such as your feet or hands, can indeed make you uncomfortable during your activities. This condition is most pronounced in the first few days when you use it. The reason is, your body is still not used to the presence of these devices.

Therefore, you need to adapt or get used to using this device. Ask your doctor when you can start activities after the bandage is put on. If necessary, you can use tools that help you carry out normal activities, such as slings (arm supports), sticks, and so on.

Consult your doctor whether you need to use these tools or not, and how to use them properly.

Reduces swelling at the start of installation

During the first 2-3 days of applying the cast, pain and swelling often develop due to the tight bandage. To overcome this, your doctor may prescribe a pain reliever, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

However, there are also several other ways you can treat the swelling. Here are ways to reduce swelling when using a cast:

• Lie down and raise the swollen body part higher than your heart. Use a pillow or other tool to support that part of the body.
• Apply an ice pack or apply it to the cast. However, the ice should be placed in a plastic bag of ice to keep the bandage dry.
• Move your fingers or toes away from the injured and swollen part of the body slowly, but often.

Is it okay to get water on the cast?

Actually, this depends on the type of cast. When the cast attached to your body is made of fiberglass which is waterproof (waterproof), then it doesn't matter if it gets wet.

However, you should cover the cast with plastic when you shower if the bandage is made of plaster. The reason is, wet plaster bandages can cause irritation and infection of the skin inside. If the plaster bandage you are using is already wet, then you must immediately dry it with a hair dryer.

Don't forget to ask your doctor whether the cast you are using can get water or not.

Cast care tips that you need to apply

In order for the bone to heal properly, you need to make sure that the cast you are using remains in good shape and condition. In addition to the methods above, here are some tips for treating a cast that you also need to apply:

• Check the cast for cracks or damage regularly.
• If it itches, do not scratch the skin under the bandage by inserting a sharp object into it, as this can cause infection.
• Better to use a hairdryer on a cool setting to blow air under the bandage of fractures.
• Don't put powder or lotion in it.
• Cover this bandage with plastic while eating to prevent any food or drink spilled on it.
• Avoid lifting heavy weights or applying pressure to the fracture device.
• Keep the cast clean and avoid getting dirt into it.
• Do not cut, file, break, or crush the rough area around the bandage edges of these fractures before asking your doctor.
• Don't try to change position or remove yourself.

In addition, you also need to contact your doctor immediately if you experience certain symptoms or notice any differences in your cast, such as:

• Feeling an unpleasant odor from inside the bandage. This can be a sign of mold on the skin due to sweat and the humidity in it, which can lead to infection.
• There were cracks in the bandage of the fracture.
• Swelling that doesn't go away.
• The pain is increasing and persistent.
• Fever.
• Shivering.
• Numbness or tingling sensation.
• Inability to move fingers or toes.
• The cast is wet or dirty.
• There is a wound in the area of ​​the skin underneath.

When does it need to be removed?

This depends on the condition of each patient. If indeed the bones have come back together and you feel strong enough to carry out daily activities without the cast, the doctor will remove them.

Generally, the bones are declared to be fused and heal within a few weeks to months. In children, the use of this bandage can be for 4-10 weeks, but in adults it may be more. The reason is, children who experience fractures tend to heal faster than adults.

Also, it is possible to remove the cast if you have any of the symptoms mentioned earlier, such as persistent pain, difficulty moving fingers or toes, experiencing skin problems, and so on. If you experience this, you should immediately consult a doctor who treats you.

How do doctors remove casts?

The doctor will remove the cast with a special saw that is safe and will not be the skin underneath. This saw has a round, blunt tip that vibrates from side to side. It is these vibrations that are strong enough to break the plaster or fiberglass on the part of your body.

The bandage is then removed and removed. Then, the doctor will use scissors to cut the protective pad and stockinette inside.

After removal, the area of ​​the skin that has broken the bone may look different. Your skin may look pale, dry or scaly, your skin hair will appear darker, and the surrounding muscles will appear thinner.

However, don't worry. This condition is temporary and can improve with specific exercises through physical therapy or physiotherapy for fractures. Talk to your doctor about the therapy you need to follow.