Alternative to traditional plaster
However, the fracture site must first be fixed and immobilized, that is, immobilized. In emergency rooms and hospitals, they offer classic plaster in the old fashioned way, in the absence of other alternatives. In medicine, doctors use new generation materials - polymer immobilizing bandages, also called “plastic casts”.
Plastic plaster is a bandage impregnated with a special polymer composition.
Plastic plaster is used not only in case of a broken arm or leg. It is used to fix feet, elbows, knees, a dislocated shoulder or ankle, and is also used for sprained muscles or ligaments.
However, in order to apply or remove polymer plaster, the doctor must have special knowledge, tools and materials. Medical is one of the few in the city where doctors can apply modern orthopedic bandages made of plastic.
Advantages of artificial plaster
Unlike classic plaster, plastic weighs several times less and does not interfere with movement. At the same time, the material is very durable, which guarantees proper healing of broken bones.
Modern plastic plaster is not afraid of water, you can safely swim with it both in the bath and in the sea, and if it gets dirty, you can simply wipe it with a damp cloth.
The porous structure of the material allows oxygen to pass freely, so the patient does not experience itching, irritation or other skin reactions. In addition, polymer fixatives are non-toxic and hypoallergenic.
Due to the elastic material, the plaster fits tightly to the site of injury, and at the same time allows you to simulate any shape for complex fractures.
During an x-ray, the plastic cast does not need to be removed; it does not block x-rays. The doctor can see all the details in the image, which means there will be no difficulties in assessing bone fusion.
The plastic plaster looks neat even after wearing it for a long time, and the patient feels it like a regular bandage and does not feel discomfort as when wearing a regular plaster.
This type of retainer is removed using a special saw and, due to its smooth texture, does not injure the skin and hair. This compares favorably with classic plaster, which, when worn for a long time, almost fuses with the skin.
Plaster test
The winter season does not always please us with its weather. There is often ice, which is dangerous for people, especially the elderly. In such weather, there is a high probability of getting a bruise, dislocation, sprain, and, most unpleasantly, a fracture. But this is a fixable matter. The main treatment for fractured limb bones is the application of a plaster cast. It helps immobilize the limb, which reduces pain and promotes faster healing of the fracture.
In addition to limiting mobility, plaster casts can also cause complications. For example, a tight plaster cast on a limb disrupts the blood supply to the tissues and causes severe swelling of the limb, pain, and cyanosis of the fingers.
If you have a plaster cast, then you should know how to care for it.
The cast is applied for 3 to 24 weeks, depending on the severity of the injury. Of course, a plaster splint brings many inconveniences, but your task is to comply with the timing of its application. If you feel discomfort after applying a plaster cast, you should consult a traumatologist. You should not remove the plaster splint yourself, because you can displace bone fragments and the fracture will not heal properly.
To ensure the plaster dries evenly, change position on the pad every 2 hours. Do not touch the plaster with your fingertips so that bulges and uneven edges do not form inside, which will then irritate the skin. To avoid this, cover the edges of the plaster with strips of adhesive plaster, carefully smoothing out the parts that are folded into the plaster.
Do not try to relieve the itching with sharp objects - you may injure yourself and cause infection. Itching can be eliminated using a hand-held hair dryer by turning off the heat and directing a stream of cold air to the itchy area.
Protect your cast from moisture with a waterproof shoe cover when showering, swimming, and in wet weather before going outside. Moisture can destroy the plaster. If it is slightly damp, let it air dry.
If the cast covers the wound, you can expect some bleeding for the first 48 hours after it is applied. Tell your doctor if: the discharge leaves bright red spots; the spot increases; appear if there is no wound under the plaster (an ulcer could form under the pressure of the plaster); the discharge changes color and smell (this may be a sign of infection).
Check sensitivity several times a day by touching areas of the body above and below the cast. Is there numbness? Do you feel any tingling or pain? Move the fingers of the casted limb. If you can't do this or are experiencing more pain than usual or have cold fingers all the time, see your doctor. Press down on the nail of the casted limb until it turns white. Let go. If the normal color is not restored after about 2 seconds, this is also a reason to consult a doctor. Repeat this blood circulation check at least three times a day.
Some swelling of the casted limb is normal, but there should not be significant swelling. To do this, compare the casted limb with a healthy one. To avoid its increase, it is necessary to monitor whether there is any swelling behind the edges of the plaster. Keep the casted limb elevated above heart level for as long as possible using two regular pillows.
After removing the plaster splint, the skin becomes dry and flaky. After washing the skin with soap, it can be lubricated with baby or other cream.
Due to long-term immobilization of many weeks, movements in the joints are limited and painful, therefore physical therapy under the guidance of a physical therapy instructor is necessary to develop movements in the joints gradually to full range.
After removing the plaster cast, swelling of the limb usually appears, which requires bandaging it with an elastic bandage (before walking), which is removed at night.
Be careful!
Traumatologist of polyclinic No. 1 Ilyukhin P.A.
What types of artificial plaster are there?
There are several types of polymer gypsum. The most famous are scotchcast, softcast and turbocast.
Scotchcast is a polymer plaster, strong and rigid, due to which it reliably immobilizes the fracture. The lightest of all artificial bandages. A special lining stocking is worn under it so as not to injure the skin. Scotchcast comes in different colors, which will appeal to children and lovers of bright colors.
Softcast allows you to create bandages of varying stiffness. After hardening, the material remains semi-rigid, which allows you to maintain muscle mobility in the damaged area. At the same time, the material is flexible, but not stretchable, which helps maintain its original shape. It is used not only for fractures, but also for sprained limbs.
Turbocast is the most famous polymer gypsum made of thermoplastic. It makes it possible to give the bandage any shape, which makes it indispensable for the most complex fractures, including in children and adolescents. The special design allows the patient to independently remove and put on the bandage (with the doctor’s permission).
Fracture of the radius in a “typical location”
"Fracture of the radius in a typical location" and also known as a fracture of the distal metaepiphysis of the radius. What is this formidable fracture and why is it typical?
The answer is simple - typical, because it occurs often. This fracture occurs at any time of the year and at any time of the day. Occurs during an accident and as a result of an unsuccessful fall from the stairs. This is exactly how both athletes and elderly people wring their hands. In general, it’s already clear why he is typical. According to various authors, its frequency reaches more than 15% of all fractures, and among forearm fractures from 70 to 90%!
Let us analyze the mechanism of occurrence of this fracture. How ingenious everything is - it’s simple! Just a fall on a straight arm.
In the picture below you can see how a fracture occurs schematically and how the fragments are displaced.
On x-rays we see a comminuted fracture of the radius and a small avulsion fracture of a piece of the ulna. We can talk about the elbow piece for hours, so we’ll forget about it for now.
In principle, any fracture can be treated in 2 ways: conservatively and surgically. What does conservative mean? Those. in a cast and without surgery. When it will help:
- when there is a fracture without displacement of fragments;
- when displacement can be corrected by closed reduction.
In such cases, the patient is treated in a cast for 4 to 6 weeks.
In the case of a non-displaced fracture, everything is clear, I applied a plaster cast in the correct position, and everything is fine. When fragments are displaced, as in our radiographs, reposition is required - elimination of their displacement by traction at the desired angle. The diagram shows the stages of classical reduction and plaster application.
Reduction is usually performed under local anesthesia, but is still a fairly unpleasant procedure.
Is it possible to avoid a cast for radius fractures?
YES! It is possible to fix the fracture with an individual plastic orthosis.
However, control radiographs after reposition show that the attempt at closed restoration of the correct position of the fragments was unsuccessful. Conservative treatment in this case would lead to a poor treatment outcome.
Operation
We move on to the next stage - surgery. The main purpose of the operation is the open elimination of displacement of fragments and their fixation with a metal plate and screws.
The result is visible on control radiographs after surgery. By the way, our small fracture of the ulna is almost invisible - the fragment also fell into place
Despite its name, the fracture turned out to be not so typical. Treatment in each case must be individually selected by the doctor. It would be better if it was a hand surgeon.
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Consult your doctor
Each type of polymer plaster is indicated for certain injuries and fractures. Only your attending physician can determine which one is right for you.
A plastic bandage does not cancel visits to the doctor and does not speed up the healing of broken bones, but allows you to make treatment as comfortable as possible.
In medical matters, traumatologist-orthopedist Natalya Vladimirovna Sokolenko will help you determine the type of polymer plaster that is right for you.
You can find out more detailed information or make an appointment by phone. +7 (4712) 46-03-03.