When you're running around playing, or even going down a flight of stairs, and you slip and fall and hurt your arm or leg, you get a little scared, don't you? "Oh, I don't know if I broke a bone." When you go to the doctor , look at an X-ray, and they say, "There's a small fracture in the bone, and I need to put a cast on it," you get even more scared. But there's no reason to be scared. This cast is like your best friend that protects your broken bone until it heals properly. Today, let's talk about this cast, or `(Cast)`, and everything about it.
What exactly is a cast?
Simply put, a cast is a strong covering that is used to hold a part of your body, especially a bone fracture, in one place without moving. Doctors call this 'immobilization'. It means stopping the movement. When it is put on, the broken bone pieces do not move around, but rather fit together as they were, and it helps them heal properly. You cannot remove it or fix it at will.
In what cases is it necessary to apply a plaster?
Most often, a cast is applied when a bone is broken, that is, when a bone is fractured. However, very rarely, there are times when a cast is applied for protection in other accidents or after certain orthopedic surgeries.
You can apply a cast to a fracture in these parts of your body:
- Hand or elbow
- Wrist and hand
- Leg or knee
- Ankle
- Bottom
What types of plaster are there?
There are two main types of plaster. They are fiberglass `( fiber glass)` and plaster of Paris `( Plaster of Paris). These days, fiberglass is the most commonly used type. Because it is lightweight, strong, and comfortable on the body because it allows air to circulate through it. Sometimes you can even apply fiberglass plaster in a color of your choice.
The other type is the oldest method we all know, which is plaster of Paris. This is easy to mold to the shape of the body. Especially when the bone has been broken from one place to another (Displaced Fracture), this type of plaster is sometimes more suitable for bringing it back to its original place. However, it is heavier than fiberglass and takes longer to dry.
| Attribute | Fiberglass | Plaster of Paris |
|---|---|---|
| Weight | Underweight | Overweight |
| Strength | Stronger | Low energy in comparison |
| Drying time | Dries quickly (a few hours) | It takes a day or two to dry completely. |
| Ventilation | The air is moving well. | There is less air movement. |
What happens before the plaster is applied?
Before the doctor puts a cast on you, he will examine the fracture carefully. The most important thing is to put the broken bones back in their correct positions . We call this 'setting'. If you don't do this, the bone can become crooked and set.
There are two ways to do this.
1. Closed Reduction: Here, the doctor anesthetizes (numbs) the patient, and then uses his hands from the outside to push and pull the broken bone fragments back into place.
2. Internal Fixation: When the bone is severely broken, surgery is performed to fix the bone from the inside with metal rods, pins, or plates. This is done while you are fully anesthetized (put to sleep).
The plaster is applied only after the bone has been properly set in this way.
How do you apply a plaster?
Plaster is applied in several layers.
- First, a thin cloth like cotton (Stockine TTE ) is placed around the fracture site to prevent it from touching the body.
- Then, a layer of cotton padding is wrapped tightly over it. This will help to prevent the pressure of the plaster from hitting the skin and control swelling.
- Next, soak fiberglass or plaster of Paris strips in water and wrap them in several layers over that layer of cotton.
- The plaster is completed by wrapping it in this way until it reaches the required thickness.
This process can take anywhere from 15 minutes to an hour, depending on the size of the plaster and where it is being applied.
How to be careful while wearing a plaster?
It is very important to take good care of the plaster while it is in place, otherwise various complications may occur.
Things to do
- Keep it elevated: Whenever possible, keep the casted arm/leg elevated on a pillow to reduce swelling.
- Apply ice: Apply an ice pack to control swelling. But never get the plaster wet . Wrap an ice pack tightly in a towel.
- Shake your fingers: If you have a cast on your arm or leg, shake your fingers frequently to stop them from tingling.
Things you should never do
- Don't get wet: Cover yourself well with a plastic bag or special cover when bathing. Don't submerge it in water.
- Don't put anything inside the scab: When you're trying to scrape the skin, don't put anything like pens, sticks, or keys inside the plaster. This can damage the skin and lead to infection. If you have unbearable itching, tell your doctor.
- Do not apply lotion or powder: Do not apply any cream, lotion, or powder inside or around the plaster.
- Do not attempt to remove the cast at home: Do not attempt to remove or break the cast before the day your doctor tells you to.
Remember, only a doctor should remove the plaster. It is done safely with a special saw. If you try to do this at home, you could injure yourself.
What are the symptoms that require an urgent visit to the doctor?
There are some things you need to be very careful about while wearing the plaster. If you have any of the symptoms below, see your doctor immediately or go to the hospital's emergency department (ETU).
| Attention! If you have these symptoms, seek medical advice immediately. | |
|---|---|
| Severe pain | If the pain from inside the plaster is getting worse and worse, if it is unbearable. |
| Numbness or loss of sensation | If the fingers below the cast become numb or feel numb. |
| Color change | If the fingers turn blue or pale. |
| Inability to move fingers | If it is difficult to move the fingers below the plaster. |
| A bad smell | If there is a bad smell coming from the plaster (a wound may be festering). |
| Damage to the plaster | If the plaster is breaking, loosening, or feels soft in places. |
These symptoms indicate that the plaster may be too tight, obstructing blood flow and causing a dangerous condition called ``Compartment Syndrome.'' Therefore, do not ignore these symptoms.
Breaking a bone is a scary and traumatic experience. It can be very uncomfortable to wear a cast for weeks. But remember, this is the best and safest way for your bone to heal properly. Follow your doctor's instructions exactly. Then you can recover quickly and resume your normal activities.
Take-Home Message
- A cast is a protective covering that immobilizes a broken bone and helps it heal properly.
- Never get the plaster wet. Cover it well with plastic wrap when bathing.
- Do not put anything inside the plaster to scratch it. This can damage the skin and cause infection.
- If you experience severe pain, numbness, discoloration, or difficulty moving your fingers below the cast , see a doctor immediately.
- Do not try to remove the cast at home. This should only be done by a doctor.
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