Having a plaster cast on for most people is inconvenient. But for some patients, particularly those with unstable fractures, it’s vital in the healing process – and shouldn’t be changed without seeking advice. This week’s learning gives helpful advice on casts, including pressure area care and cleaning.

Our learning points:

• A cast is a form of treatment prescribed by a suitably qualified and experienced doctor.
• Equally, casts should only be removed on the advice of a suitably qualified and experienced doctor.
• Changing a cast can cause delays or complications in bone healing.
• Removing a cast from a patient who has an unstable fracture can cause significant harm, even if it is only to change the cast.
• Patient being cared for in a cast must have excellent pressure area care, as the skin cannot be checked regularly so initial signs of damage cannot be identified.
• Casts must be kept as clean as possible to avoid unnecessary cast changes.

Our casting room colleagues in the orthopaedic outpatient departments have a wealth of knowledge and experience which they are happy to share.  Any questions please contact them on HRI extension 2562 or CRH extension 2079.