Determining the correct application of a plaster splint

10/05/2020 Plaster bandages are a medical consumable material used in the departments of traumatology, orthopedics and surgery. Bandages made from plaster bandages are necessary for fractures, damage to organs and tissues, diseases of the musculoskeletal system, etc. The use of plaster bandages in medical institutions has its own characteristics and advantages.

Types of gypsum in medicine

Before you begin to learn how to remove plaster, it is worth finding out what types of retainers there are. The process of their removal directly depends on this. A standard plaster cast causes significant discomfort to patients. It not only hinders movement, but it is also almost impossible to wash yourself, for example, if a leg or arm is broken. You cannot get the cast wet, and plaster crumbs that break off from the inside cause itching. Doctors themselves also note negative factors: it is almost impossible to monitor how bones heal, since the plaster cast does not transmit X-rays well. Recently, doctors have been developing new techniques and types of fixatives that will eventually replace traditional plaster.

• Plastic. The retainer is made of polymer materials. First, it is lowered into the water, then, according to a certain pattern, it is wound around the limb until it dries completely. The principle of its operation is not very different from the traditional one, but such bandages are lighter in weight and do not cause significant discomfort when moving. You are wondering how to remove plastic plaster - it is impossible to get rid of it using the traditional method of cutting the material; you need a special file. Its advantages are that it allows the skin to “breathe” and is waterproof.

• Semi-rigid bandages. Made from special fiber or thermoplastic. The fixator is elastic, does not restrict movement, but supports the broken bone in the correct position. It is easy to take x-rays if you need to monitor the state of bone fusion. This type of plaster is easy to remove. You can simply unwind it, but there are also models that are equipped with a zipper. This makes it easier to undergo physiotherapeutic procedures if necessary. Among the disadvantages, it is worth noting that semi-rigid bandages are not used for all types of fractures.

• Shortened plaster. It has been used for only a little over 20 years, but is not used in ordinary clinics or emergency rooms, since it requires a certain qualification of a doctor. Most often, this type of plaster is applied for a fracture of the ankle or ankle; it is not used for open fractures or immediately after surgery. It is noted that it is easier to remove and monitor the healing process. It causes less damage to tissues adjacent to the fracture.

Product Features

As a rule, plaster bandages are packaged in polypropylene bags, in which the material should be stored until immediate use. For transportation, packages with bandages are placed in a corrugated cardboard box. The main characteristics of plaster bandages are:

• surface density – not less than 24 g/m²;
• strength – more than 340 g/m²;
• setting time of the bandage is about 4-8 minutes;
• final hardening – within 24-28 hours.

Among the advantages of plaster bandages are:

• effectiveness - improvement of treatment processes, acceleration of healing of damaged tissues, reduction of post-traumatic pain;
• high-quality consumables - the bandage has a uniform structure, its base is made without breaks or joints;
• versatility of use;
• optimal setting and hardening time;
• treatment control – the plaster bandage does not interfere with the passage of X-rays, diagnosis of the condition of damaged tissues and organs can be carried out directly in the bandage;
• safe removal.

How long does it take to remove the plaster?

How long you need to wear a cast can only be calculated by a specialist. To do this, the nature of the fracture is taken into account. The speed of recovery depends on the location of the injury, the age of the patient and the severity of the fracture itself. Doctors give only average figures regarding wearing plaster. For a non-displaced ankle fracture, a plaster is applied for 20-25 days, with a displacement - up to 35 days. A tibia fracture is considered more complex; a cast is worn for up to 12 weeks. With a broken foot without displacement, you will have to wait up to seven weeks in a plaster cast, and with a displacement - almost three months. A broken arm is considered a simple injury, and usually the period of wearing a cast is limited to a month. Some patients ask, is it possible to remove the cast to wash? This is not possible with a traditional plaster cast, so you will have to wrap your arm in a bag and take a bath.

Proper use of bandages

The application of a plaster bandage is carried out in the following order:

• pour water at room temperature into a deep container;
• the bandage is immersed in water for 3-10 seconds. until the air bubbles disappear;
• then the bandage is removed and wrung out;
• the wrung-out bandage is carefully unwound and a bandage is immediately formed;
• The bandage is applied in a circle and in layers.

Do not over-tighten the bandage. To obtain a high-quality dressing, the entire procedure should take no more than 2 minutes.

How is plaster removed?

The technique for removing the plaster cast, regardless of the location of the fracture, is almost the same. It is important to be careful not to cause pain to the patient. If the bandage is thick, it is cut with special scissors or files in two steps. Sometimes, in order to remove the plaster, it is first soaked in a solution of sodium chloride. Doctors note that it is still worth removing the plaster under the supervision of a doctor, since there is a high probability of damage to the injured area. After removing the bandage, the skin is washed with soap and water and treated with an antiseptic. The plaster cast is removed like a regular bandage, and the top layer is gradually unwound. The bandages that secure the splint are cut using Cooper scissors and beak-shaped forceps. There are also special plaster scissors, but the places that will be cut must first be marked on the bandage.

Some types of dressings

• Removable-fixed. It is used when necessary to monitor the wound and carry out regular therapeutic manipulations at the fracture site.
• Finished. It differs from the longitudinal-circular one by the presence of a “window”. For example, at the site of the fracture, atheroma removal with a laser or another procedure must be urgently performed. In this case, this area is left open.
• With a stirrup. A metal pad that is added when a cast is applied to the leg: thus, the structure is protected from damage when walking.

How to remove plaster at home: instructions

To remove the plaster yourself, you should take a sharp knife, tailor's scissors, possibly wire cutters and water. But before this, you should still consult with a doctor not only about the removal technique, but also how to develop the limb after a fracture so that the recovery process is as easy and quick as possible.

1. The easiest way is to soak the plaster cast. This can be done even without outside help.
2. If you use the dry method, then you will need scissors and a sharp knife. The limb under the cast loses weight over time, so scissors can easily be passed there to make a small incision (from top to bottom) and simply pull off the fixator.

The plaster is not cut or pierced from the outside, since in this way you can miscalculate the force and plunge the point directly into the skin. This process is slow, you need to cut it into pieces. While the cast is being removed from the leg, it is better not to make sudden movements, as this can cause pain. The most difficult thing is to tear off pieces or crumbs of plaster from the hairs on the limbs. For this, lotions with warm water are used. After the cast is removed from the leg, it is worth using crutches for some time, since the muscles will have time to atrophy during this time and need to be developed.

Purpose of plaster bandages

A plaster bandage is a strip of medical gauze impregnated with plaster mass. The plaster is evenly distributed over the gauze; a bacteriostatic material, harmless to human skin, is used to secure it. Plaster bandages are designed to immobilize damaged limbs, securely fix joints and bones, take impressions or apply an immobilizing bandage. The use of plaster bandages is most in demand in traumatological, orthopedic and surgical operations.

Features of polymer dressings

Special immobilizing bandages are actively used in orthopedics and traumatology. They are used as functional products and rigid inserts for them.

The main features of polymer fixing bandages include:

• High quality and safety. Bandages are made from polyester and polyurethane resin impregnation. They do not have a negative effect on damaged and healthy tissues of the body.
• High speed of hardening. Polymerization of the resin occurs upon contact with water. The bandage quickly becomes hard and as durable as possible. According to these parameters, it is 6 times superior to gypsum.
• Light weight. A polymer dressing is at least 4 times lighter than a plaster cast

The mesh base and special impregnation provide the material with tightness. At the same time, the product feels like a regular gauze bandage to the touch.

Advantages of contacting MEDSI

• Use of modern materials.
  They allow you to shorten the rehabilitation period and quickly restore the patient to full activity. The bandages are lightweight but provide a secure hold. Moreover, they are easy to apply and remove. These procedures do not require special tools. In addition, the products do not cause irritation or itching. They are as comfortable as possible and can be used without problems even by small children.
• Experienced doctors.
  Our specialists will select the appropriate option for fixing the damaged area. In this case, traumatologists take into account the severity of the injury and other factors.
• Opportunities to receive the necessary assistance as soon as possible
• Convenient location of MEDSI clinics near the metro station
• Opportunities for pre-booking appointments
• No queues.
  When you contact the clinic, you won’t have to wait long for help.

To clarify the conditions for applying polymer dressings for fractures and other injuries or to make an appointment, just call +7 (495) 7-800-500. Our specialist will answer all questions. Recording is also possible through the SmartMed application.

Disadvantages of plaster casts

Plaster casts are a common element of treatment in public hospitals. Their advantages include only the possibility of modeling along the contours of the body. The widespread use of gypsum is largely due to its relatively low price and the reluctance of doctors to move away from conventional techniques.

The rapid development of the production of plastic orthoses and the growing demand for them is caused by the shortcomings of plaster casts. It was the imperfections of outdated techniques that pushed the medical industry to develop more effective and convenient solutions. Among the most significant disadvantages of plaster casts it is worth mentioning:

• Unreasonably heavy weight. A bandage of 10-12 layers of plaster bandage is capable of maintaining the correct position. The mass of the finished retainer in this case can reach 3-8 kilograms.
• Low reliability. Oddly enough, sometimes even the most bulky plaster cast is as fragile as glass. If the patient unintentionally applies force, the cast will break.
• Plaster is afraid of moisture. The cast will disintegrate or loosen after rain, going to the bathroom, or draining fluid from wounds.
• The plaster crumbles and often causes excruciating itching. Such products cause diaper rash on the skin, and constantly falling plaster grains irritate the skin.
• There is no possibility of adjustment, there are difficulties when taking it off and putting it on. Although a plaster splint can be removed, it still requires proper fixation with bandages and does not immobilize as reliably as a circular splint. It is extremely difficult to remove a “solid” or circular bandage.

How are modern orthoses better than plaster?

Orthoses are medical products made from plastic and metal, replacing the outdated plaster. Everything that plaster casts lacked has appeared in modern orthoses:

• Orthoses are lighter than plaster casts. The properties of medical plastic make the retainers both lightweight and durable.
• Strength. The combination of metal, fabric and plastic guarantees reliable support throughout the entire period of use.
• Orthoses are not afraid of water. If wet, the plastic does not absorb moisture at all, and the fabric lining can be dried with a hairdryer.
• Comfortable use. All elements of the new clamps serve comfort. Breathable hypoallergenic lining, comfortable fastening straps, additional pads for bony protrusions - this is not a complete list of “tricks” for convenience.
• Easy adjustment, removal and fixation. The orthoses feature sophisticated fixation systems so that the patient himself can participate in his treatment. Both putting on and taking off the orthosis can most often be done without assistance, which maintains freedom of movement and activity.
• Price. New production technologies have made orthoses affordable. The price of modern braces often does not exceed the cost of large and uncomfortable plaster casts. And even more so, the cost of proper treatment with an orthosis is much cheaper than rehabilitation, so often necessary after wearing a cast.

Advantages of purchasing orthoses in Medtechnika Orthosalon stores

All orthoses in Medtechnika Orthosalon stores are certified, safe and effective. The products that are shown to customers are selected based on the recommendations of doctors and positive reviews from our regular customers. Trained and experienced consultants always help determine the most suitable option in each case.

We regularly attend exhibitions of the latest medical equipment in order to offer you only the best. Competent consultation, attention to the wishes of the buyer and the recommendations of his doctor, compliance with all standards for the sale of medical products guarantee the purchase of the necessary and effective product. The presence of an assortment from the world's best manufacturers and loyalty programs provide not only a useful, but also an adequately priced purchase.