Plastering and Cast Removal

Last updated on September 1st, 2020 at 07:42 am

An Orthopedic Specialist provides Plastering and Cast Removal services at Clinic One Kathmandu. We use both traditional and modern plastering techniques as per our patient’s requirements.

Need to Consult an Orthopedic Doctor in Kathmandu? Request an appointment below.

A cast is used to protect a broken bone by keeping part of the body stiff. When you injure your bone, the cast helps keep the bone in place as it heals by acting as a supportive device. 

There are two different types of plastering available at Clinic One –

• Plaster Cast
• Synthetic Cast

Plaster Cast

This is a traditional method of plastering where the cast is made of up plaster of Paris. It was commonly used in earlier times and is made by mixing the white powder with water to form a thick paste.

A doctor shall put a stockinette made of thin, webbed material over the injured region before adding a plaster cast. Then place a few coats of soft cotton around the region before adding the paste. 

Plaster casts are not as popular as they used to be. Following are some of the advantages and disadvantages of plaster cast:

Advantages

• Plaster casts are less expensive compared to other casts.
• Plaster casts are easier to mold in certain areas. 

Disadvantages

• More care is required for plaster casts. As the casts might crack or disintegrate if they get wet. While bathing also the casts need to be wrapped with several layers of plastic. 
• It takes time for the casts to fully harden, this will limit your activities for a few days after getting casts. 
• Plaster casts are usually heavier so they might cause problems to small children.
  
  
  
  

Broken Bones: Causes, Prevention & Treatment

There are many factors that cause our bones to break. This includes physical factors like falls, vehicle accidents, sports injuries, and physical fights or medical factors like osteoporosis, deficiency of vitamin D, and calcium or infection. An orthopedic doctor/surgeon provides the treatment for a broken bone.

Read More..

Synthetic Cast

 
In today’s time, synthetic casts are used more than plaster casts. They are made out of fiberglass, which is a type of moldable plastic.

Fiberglass is applied the same as plaster casts with a stockinette that is placed on the injured area, then wrapped in soft cotton padding.
Then the fiberglass is soaked in water and wrapped around the area in several layers. But, this casts drys just in few hours. 

Just like a plaster cast, the synthetic cast also has its own advantages and disadvantages. They are explained in detail below:

Advantages 

• It is very porous which makes it easy for the doctors to take X-rays of the injured area without taking off the casts. 
• Fiberglass is more comfortable to wear and is more breathable which makes the cast less vulnerable to irritation. 
• Additionally, synthetic casts weigh less than plaster casts and come in ranges of colors. 

Disadvantages

• Although fiberglass is much more waterproof compared to plaster casts, the soft padding inside is not. The doctor can add waterproof liner under the cats, which can make the cats entirely waterproof.
  
  But, waterproofing the cast can make it more expensive and take time.

Clinic One provides you with the service of Plastering as well as Cast removal.

Both traditional and modern plastering is available, and it is performed by our orthopedic specialist.

Clinic One Orthopedic Department

Request an Orthopedic Appointment at Clinic One Kathmandu

Cast removal 

Removing the plaster cast is a procedure that should be done by only qualifies and experienced medical personnel. It is a very risky procedure and should be done with utmost care. 

An Orthopedist uses the following equipment for the Cast Removal Procedure:

• Scissors
• Bender
• Electric cutter
• Material for washing limb
• Supportive bandages or appliances
• Scissors
• Benders
• Electric cutter
• Materials for washing limb
• Supportive bandages or appliances

The equipment, therefore, depends on several factors.

The unpadded, and skin-tight casts are cut with the help plaster shears.

Completely padded casts can be also be cut with an electric plaster cutter.

General Guidelines For Removal of Plaster Cast 

• The cast should be removed very steadily and smoothly and the limb present in the plaster is supported by sandbags.
• For the lower limb casts, the patient should lie on the side whereas for the upper limb casts the patent can sit or lie down.
  
  During the procedure, the position of the limb is changed.
  
• The patient can feel safe during the procedure as the electric cutter does not harm the injury but will only vibrate.
• The electric cutter gets hot so one must be very careful while using this equipment.
• In the area where the cutting occurs, a plastic-like skin protector strip will be inserted between the cast lining and a patient’s limb. This is to protect the skin from further skin injury.
  
  

Call Clinic One at 015400400 | 9863393960 for Plastering and Cast Removal services.

Removal of Plaster cast with an electric cutter

The electric cutter is used to cut completely padded casts. While using this equipment following things should be kept in mind:

• There is no burden on the cable, there is ample cable sufficient for in house service. 
• The cable should not come near the cutting blade.
• The operator’s hands should be dry.
• The equipment should be cleaned and serviced regularly.
• Before starting the procedure, the patient is positioned correctly and the doctor marks the line of cutting on the plaster.
• Since the equipment will be hot if there is any problem or the patient feel any kind of heat then the procedure should be stopped.
• The equipment should be cooled and positioned at the start guideline, and the cutter should be gently applied smoothly along the line.
• Therefore, the electric cutter should be used very carefully and with proper care near bony prominences such as the medial border of the food leading to the big toe. 

Watch the Cast Removal Process here.

How to take care of the part after cast removal?

After the cast is removed the injury should be taken care of very well. Following steps should be taken to heal the injury:

• Wash and dry the part.
• Massage the area with oil, cream. It helps to restore normal nutrition and elasticity to the skin.
• Swelling can also be expected after a period of immobilization.
  Excessive swelling can be managed by elastic wrapping or intermittent limb elevation.
• Gradually resume your normal activity and rest the part at regular intervals.
• Digital exercise, for example, moving the fingers or toes should be done.
• To regain muscle function, muscle-strengthening exercises should also be done.

Other Procedures and Surgeries available at Clinic One