It takes about 1 hour for fiberglass, and 2 to 3 days for plaster to become hard enough to walk on. Do not walk on a walking cast until it is completely dry and hard. A small pinhole in the cast cover can cause the injury to get soaked. Even if the cast is covered, do not submerge it or hold it under running water. Use two layers of plastic or purchase waterproof shields to keep your splint or cast dry while you shower or bathe.
#Full body cast hospital skin
Moisture weakens plaster, and damp padding next to the skin can cause irritation. The following information provides general guidelines only and is not a substitute for your doctor's advice.Īfter you have adjusted to your splint or cast for a few days, it is important to keep it in good condition. You must follow your doctor's instructions carefully to make sure your bone heals properly. Your doctor will explain any restrictions on using your injured arm or leg while it is healing. Ice that is packed in a rigid container and touches the cast at only one point will not be effective. Place the ice in a dry plastic bag or ice pack and loosely wrap it around the splint or cast at the level of the injury. Moving them often will prevent stiffness. Move your uninjured, but swollen fingers or toes gently and often. Elevation allows clear fluid and blood to drain "downhill" to your heart. You will have to recline if the splint or cast is on your leg. Prop your injured arm or leg up above your heart by putting it on pillows or some other support. It is very important to elevate your injured arm or leg for the first 24 to 72 hours. This will lessen pain and help your injury heal. It is very important to keep the swelling down.
#Full body cast hospital how to
If you have a splint, your doctor will show you how to adjust it to accommodate the swelling. This may cause your injured arm or leg to feel snug or tight in the splint or cast.
Swelling due to your injury may cause pressure in your splint or cast for the first 48 to 72 hours. As a fracture heals, the cast may be replaced by a splint to make it easier to perform physical therapy exercises. Sometimes, it may be necessary to replace a cast as swelling goes down and the cast gets too big. If a cast is initially applied to your injury, it may be “valved” (cut) to allow for swelling, then repaired at your first follow-up appointment.
#Full body cast hospital full
As swelling subsides, a full cast may replace the splint. In many cases, a splint is applied to a fresh injury first. Generally, the splint or cast also covers the joint above and below the broken bone. The splint or cast must fit the shape of the injured arm or leg correctly to provide the best possible support. Your doctor will let you know if your cast is made and padded with these waterproof materials. In some cases, special waterproof padding and cast material may be used. Both materials come in strips or rolls, which are dipped in water and applied over the padding covering the injured area.
Applicationīoth fiberglass and plaster splints and casts use padding, usually cotton, as a protective layer next to the skin. Plaster is less expensive than fiberglass and shapes better than fiberglass for some uses. X-rays can show whether the bones are healing well or have moved out of place.
This is important because your doctor will probably schedule additional X-rays after your splint or cast has been applied. In addition, X-rays can see through fiberglass better than through plaster. Materialsįiberglass or plaster materials form the hard, supportive layer in splints and casts.įiberglass is lighter in weight and stronger than plaster. It is held in place with an elastic bandage or other material (right). To allow room for swelling, the rigid part of a splint or “half cast” (left) does not wrap all the way around the injured area.
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