Definition
A cast is a rigid dressing used to immobilize a fractured bone or soft tissue injury. It is made of strips impregnated with plaster or fiberglass material. The injured area is first covered with a layer of padding made of cotton or synthetic materials to protect the skin from
Purpose
In general, casts are applied to injured limbs to support and protect the bones and soft tissue. The cast helps to reduce the pain, swelling, and muscle spasms following the injury. If the bone is broken, the cast holds the fractured bone ends in correct alignment during the healing process. A cast, because of its rigid properties, will also provide protection from further injury. Body casts are used to prevent movement of the vertebrae of the back and may be used after a traumatic injury to the spine or a surgical repair of the vertebrae.
For health professionals
Wet casts must be handled carefully, using only the palms of the hands, because a wet cast can be dented or compressed if handled too much after application. Dents or compression of the cast can cause pressure or irritation to the skin beneath the dressing, which may develop sores or ulcers.
Patients in a hip cast or body cast should be repositioned every two hours during the first 24 hours to allow even drying of the cast and every two hours when awake thereafter to avoid developing pressure sores on the skin.
For patients
The use of crutches may be recommended for patients with a leg cast or a sling for patients with an arm cast for use during the first 24-48 hours. Patients should be instructed to rest and keep the affected limb elevated on a pillow as much as possible during the first 24 hours.
