Q&A

Why would someone need a full body cast?

Why would someone need a full body cast?

Body casts, which cover the trunk of the body, and in some cases the neck up to or including the head (see Minerva Cast, below) or one or more limbs, are rarely used today, and are most commonly used in the cases of small children, who cannot be trusted to comply with a back brace, or in cases of radical surgery to …

How do you pee with a spica cast?

A good way to absorb the wetness in the cast is to use a cloth diaper. If there is sufficient room, push the diaper into the bottom opening of the cast and pull it up under the cast to the top edge. Allow it to soak up the urine and then remove.

What is a body cast used for?

Casts and splints are orthopedic devices that are used to protect and support fractured or injured bones and joints. They help to immobilize the injured limb to keep the bone in place until it fully heals. Casts are often made from fiberglass or plaster.

Do they still use body casts?

While fiberglass material is newer, many casts used today are still made from plaster. Plaster casts are most often used when a fracture reduction (repositioning of the bone) is performed.

How do you freshen up a cast?

To help dry the cast, you may use a hand-held dryer on a cool setting (never use the hot settings because it might burn you). If your cast starts to smell bad, rub a little bit of dry baking soda into the soiled areas. Check daily to be sure the cast is not too tight or too loose.

What injuries require full body cast?

Body Casts This type of cast immobilization is used in treating disorders of the cervical, thoracic, and lumbar spine such as fractures and scoliosis, or it may be applied following some types of surgery on the spine.

What is cast syndrome?

Cast syndrome, clinically known as superior mesenteric artery syndrome (SMAS), is gastric dilatation with partial or complete obstruction of the duodenum. Although rare, it is most frequently seen in orthopaedic patients who have had spinal surgery or who are in hip spica or body casts.