Guide to using a cast

Guide to using a cast

"Do not let pain be a problem anymore."

The Bone and Joint Surgery Center at Vibhavadi Hospital provides modern equipment and technology for diagnosis and treatment of bone and joint issues, with specialized surgical teams who have experience both locally and internationally to provide care.

Cast

A cast is a device used to immobilize bones and joints. The part of the body that is covered by the cast is stationary, while other parts of the body outside the cast can still move. In addition, it can also protect other tissues that have been injured, reduce pain, swelling, and promote the healing of broken bones.

Actions to take in the first 3 days after applying a cast

After the doctor applies the cast, the cast may still be damp and fragile, which takes about 1-2 days to dry completely.

1. Prevent the cast from cracking, breaking, or becoming deformed while it is still damp or not completely dry. Place the cast on a soft material, such as a pillow or foam, and avoid placing the cast on hard surfaces, such as a cement floor. Use the part of the cast that covers the ankle to prop up the cast while moving or getting out of bed, and avoid using the fingertips to push or squeeze the cast.
2. Take care to dry the cast quickly. Place the cast in a well-ventilated area, avoid it getting damp, and do not cover the cast with blankets or anything else. Using a fan or hairdryer can help the cast dry faster, but do not expose the cast to fire.

What to do when the cast is dry?

1. Take care not to get the cast wet or dirty, such as walking on grass in the morning or getting it wet with water. When bathing, use a plastic bag to cover the cast and use multiple layers of bags with the mouth tied at different levels to help prevent water from entering.

2. Do not let the cast bear full weight unless it has a rubber sole as a weight-bearing device.

3. Do not bear weight or walk on the cast unless authorized by a physician.

Potential problems that may arise from being in a cast:

1. Cast looseness due to internal organ shrinkage or lack of tightness when first casted.

2. Cast tightness or excessive swelling after being casted.

3. Prolonged time in the cast causing joint stiffness.

4. Premature removal of the cast while the bones are not yet properly fused, leading to bone movement.

5. Itching and irritation caused by bacterial and fungal infections, as well as moisture buildup under the cast.

6. Compartment syndrome, a condition where there is a lack of blood flow to the affected limb.

7. Deep vein thrombosis and pulmonary edema.

Recommendations for Patients Using a Cast

• • You should frequently tense the muscles beneath the cast and move the parts that are outside the cast or the nearby joints, such as wiggling your toes and tensing your calf muscles if you have a leg cast.

• • Do not remove the cast or the padding material by yourself.

• • Avoid bumping the cast against hard objects frequently, and do not apply too much pressure that may cause the cast to crack or collapse, such as stepping on it or placing it directly on a hard surface.

• • Avoid getting the cast wet or exposing it to heat to dry it quickly.

• • Do not insert any objects into the cast to alleviate itching, as this may cause skin irritation or abrasion.

• • You should elevate the limb that is in the cast above the level of your heart to promote good circulation.

Recommendations for patients using a cast

Always keep your scheduled appointment with the doctor. If you experience any of the following abnormal symptoms, see your doctor immediately before your next appoint:

• • If you experience increasing pain.

• • If the fingers or toes on the side of the cast appear bluish-green or pale and become increasingly swollen or numb.

• • If you cannot move your fingers or toes on the side of the cast.

• • If a foreign object enters the cast.

• • If you notice that the cast is becoming loose, deformed, or cracked.

• • If there is blood, yellow fluid, or pus seeping out of the cast, or if there is a foul odor.

When sitting/lying down:

Use a pillow to support the arm or leg that is in a cast.

When walking/standing:

Use a neck brace for those who use arm casts. In the case of itching from wearing a cast, it is recommended to use a spray powder that contains Triclosan, Tea tree oil, Menthol, and Alcohol to help:

• • Inhibit the growth of bacteria and fungi that cause itching.

• • Reduce moisture and itching inside the cast.

• • Speed up the healing of wounds.

• • Suppress unwanted odors.

Advanced technology at Vipawadee Hospital:

The bone density measuring machine (Dexa Bone Densitometer) is the highest standard method used by leading hospitals. By using X-rays with 2 different energies, the machine scans the organ being examined. High-energy X-rays are used to examine bones while low-energy X-rays are used to examine tissues and fats. The results are then compared to bone strength standards to assess the risk of osteoporosis.

Orthopedic and Joint Surgery Center at Vibhavadi Hospital.