Most of the time the arm cast is made of plaster or fiberglass and completely encloses the end to hold a broken bone in place until it heals. The upper limb cast can be of two types: as long as the arm, to cover the area from the hand to the armpit, and short that reaches just below the elbow. Both can include fingers and / or thumbs depending on the doctor's diagnosis. To prevent them from weakening or breaking in the future, orthopedic casts are always applied by a doctor, but the procedure itself is quite simple. Read the article to learn how to apply a cast to a fractured arm.
Steps
Step 1. Gather your supplies and make sure they are sufficient and within reach
Step 2. Look for at least one assistant who will help you to keep your arm still and in the right position, but also to prepare and apply the cast
Step 3. Make the patient comfortable with the injured arm resting gently on a table at waist level
To help ease his discomfort, explain each step of the cast to him as you go.
Step 4. Have your arm rest on a soft, elastic material
This material will form the orthopedic padding of the plaster, which can be wool or felt.
- Firmly spread the padding over the fractured area, overlapping each round about a third of its width to ensure the layers hold securely.
- Insert additional padding over the protruding bones, such as the wrist or elbow.
Step 5. Correctly align the fractured bone and have the assistant keep it in position for the duration of the casting procedure
Step 6. Dip the chalk rolls into the hot water one at a time, as needed, until all the air comes out and the bubbles stop
Wet a new chalk roll when about half of what you're using has been applied, so it's ready when it's needed.
Step 7. Remove excess water by pressing gently
Step 8. Unroll the cast near the arm
Start about 1.5 cm from the edge of the batting, making circular motions and applying as little tension as possible.
Step 9. Smooth the cast with the palms of wet hands during application to properly shape the bandage around the arm
Step 10. Apply a second layer of plaster on the first by doing the same operations used for unrolling and smoothing
Fold in the excess 1.5 cm of padding and insert it into the second layer.
Step 11. Apply a third, and final, layer of chalk
When finished, smooth the outer layer well with wet hands.
Step 12. Use scissors to cut any bumps of plaster around the thumb and / or fingers to ensure that the patient can move them correctly
Step 13. Allow the plaster to dry for 30-60 minutes
Advice
- Trim excess plaster when wet to remove it easily.
- Make a double circular loop around the ends to prevent an uneven cast from forming.
