How to properly remove plaster at home

When treating fractures in medicine, plaster casts are used to immobilize the limb, which is necessary for proper bone healing. The plaster cast is made from calcium sulfate, which is a white powder that is mixed with water and hardens very quickly, thereby ensuring reliable fixation of the limb.

Applying a plaster cast is a very responsible process, so this procedure should only be performed by a doctor, since an incorrectly applied plaster cast can cause serious harm to health and aggravate the injury.

Can a fracture heal without a cast?

Regeneration or fusion of bones is the ability of the body itself. It is imperative to correctly “fold” the ends of the fragments, give them the desired position, and ensure rest. This is almost impossible without a fixing device.

Bone healing takes a long time: the blood supply to the damaged area and its sensitivity are restored. At first, for complex fractures, you will need analgesics to relieve pain, decongestants and antihistamines.

Without fixation, the painful sensations at the fracture site are stronger and last longer. Every movement of a broken limb leads to the displacement of sharp fragments. There is a high risk of incomplete or incorrect fusion, damage to adjacent soft tissues, and the development of a purulent process.

Why is a plaster cast applied?

Impacts and falls can lead to dislocations and broken bones. A special medical device (plaster cast, cast, splint) is applied to the affected part of the body. Immobilization is the very first and simplest way to protect muscles, blood vessels, nerves and skin from damage by bone fragments, and to secure them in a certain position.

The traditional material for making a fixative dressing is a dry white or grayish-yellow powder obtained from natural calcium sulfate hydrate. The substance can quickly harden after soaking; in this form it is non-toxic and usually does not cause allergic reactions.

Immobilization is a first aid method for various fractures and the main method of treating injuries. Fixation is necessary for the safe transportation of the injured person to a medical facility.

Plaster is applied for fractures and dislocations after their reduction. Broken bones are fixed in an anatomical position that will reduce pain and ensure proper healing. Without this procedure, there may be severe pain, traumatic shock, and bleeding.

Features of plaster casts

For about 150 years, plaster casts have been used to immobilize limbs for fractures and dislocations of joints. They are inexpensive, quick to apply, and can provide good fixation of the injury site. This promotes effective healing.

But a standard plaster cast has many disadvantages. The cast is heavy and uncomfortable and limits movement. Because of this, contractures may develop, and a long period of rehabilitation is necessary. It does not allow air to pass through, and the crumbs that form with any movement irritate the skin and cause severe itching. The disadvantage is that the bandage cannot be wet, as this will cause the plaster to become wet and deformed. It does not transmit X-rays well, which makes it difficult for a doctor to monitor the fusion of bones.

Scientists are developing modern and effective fixation bandages. Recently, plaster is often replaced with plastic. It is lightweight, breathable and durable. Polymer gypsum transmits X-rays well. Its advantage over the usual one is that you can swim in it, it does not weigh down the limb and it is easy to move with it. Its only drawback is that it is difficult to remove.

How long does it take to remove a cast from a hand?

The fixative bandage is usually applied by a nurse in the emergency room under the direction of a doctor. Bones heal on average within 4–5 weeks. The length of this period depends on age, severity of injury and quality of immobilization.

Removal of the plaster is possible only after the fracture has healed. Children's bones heal faster, but with certain types of fractures, the duration of wearing the brace increases (joint injuries, displacement of fragments). In such cases, the cast can be removed after 5–6 weeks.

It takes a long time for a callus to form at the fracture site in older people; they are recommended to wear a fixing bandage for up to three months. It takes longer to fix a broken limb in some diseases, for example, those caused by calcium and phosphorus metabolism disorders, or pathologies of bone tissue formation.

The clavicle, humerus, and radius bones quickly fuse in people of different ages. Regeneration of dense bone tissue occurs more slowly than spongy bone tissue. Injured joints take a long time to recover. In any case, the plaster is removed only after a callus has formed at the fracture site.

How to remove a plaster cast at home and how it is done in the hospital

The procedure can be performed at home, but you must adhere to the period specified by your doctor. To remove the fixing bandage you will need wire cutters, large scissors with rounded ends, and a knife.

How to remove a cast on a leg

It is better if the leg is freed from the fixing bandage by doctors who know how to quickly perform the procedure. If necessary, you can remove the plaster yourself. The advantage of going to the emergency room or hospital is that you can accurately determine whether the fracture has healed using x-rays.

Timing of immobilization for fractures of the lower extremities

To remove a plaster cast at home, you can use a sharp and durable knife. First, unwind the fixing bandage. Carefully cut through the hard substance, starting at the narrowest point or the end away from the fracture. Another option is to “cut” the plaster with large scissors (tailor’s scissors).

Both “dry” methods of releasing a limb cause trouble in the form of inhalation of plaster dust, the appearance of crumbs, and the danger of injury from sharp objects. It is better to soak the dry bandage first. When the water is absorbed, the plaster will soften a little, making it easier to cut.

If the fracture is in a joint, then two adjacent joints are fixed. The cast is applied from the middle of the thigh to the toes. It will not be possible to cut the entire bandage at once. Remove gradually piece by piece, starting from the place where it is easier to insert the scissors. To get rid of the plaster yourself, you need to be prepared for the fact that it will cause pain (not necessarily). It’s good if someone can help you complete a labor-intensive procedure.

How to remove a cast from a hand

It is necessary to first soak the hard bandage in warm water. This and subsequent manipulations are best done in the bathroom. It is recommended to lay a piece of polyethylene. Use large scissors with rounded ends; tailor's scissors will do.

How to remove a plaster cast from your arm:

1. Allow the plaster to soak completely in water for 20 minutes.
2. If the bandage is applied up to the elbow joint, then you need to cut at the bottom and pull out the arm.
3. If it is applied higher, then cut it off in parts, additionally wetting the deeper layers.
4. Use sharp scissors carefully to avoid injury.

A plaster cast is applied after a fracture to a swollen limb. As the bones heal, the swelling goes away. Before removing the clamp, the ends of the scissors are easily inserted under the bandage and begin to cut. At home, it is better to ask family or friends to help you complete the procedure.

How to remove a plaster cast yourself?

You can free a part of the body in a cast yourself only when you are sure that the fracture has healed. To make sure of this, it is best to take an x-ray.

When removing plaster, you should be extremely careful and attentive. It must be remembered that the muscles have weakened and any sudden movement can cause pain.

To free yourself from plaster you need: warm water, a towel, scissors with rounded ends.

To remove plaster without medical care or special tools, you need to soften it. To do this, you need to wet it well with clean warm water, put a wet towel on top, and let the plaster soak for 15–20 minutes. Once you are sure it is sufficiently saturated, you need to slowly and carefully cut the bandages and plaster. In order not to damage the surface of the plastered part of the body, the plaster should be cut off in small pieces.

How to remove a cast from an arm or leg in the hospital

The location of the fracture is recorded at the emergency room, and they also tell you how long the bandage will be applied (depending on the complexity of the fracture). The doctor usually invites the patient to an appointment before the cast is removed to examine the injured limb, give advice, and possibly send for an x-ray.

There is no big difference in how the fixator is removed in the hospital from the procedure performed independently. Cut the hard bandage using plaster forceps and scissors. First, a metal spatula is inserted under the retainer. They begin to cut on the side where more soft tissue is located.

But it is better to seek medical help!

First, an x-ray should be taken. It is necessary in order to know for sure that the fracture has healed.

Secondly, after consulting with your doctor, you need to start working out the joint, gradually increasing the load, following all the instructions, and doing a massage to restore blood circulation.

Well, thirdly, you must follow the instructions prescribed by the doctor. based on foods that contain large amounts of calcium: dairy products, meat, broths.

An alternative to plaster - orthoses

A rigid plaster cast has many obvious disadvantages. Modern medicine has alternative options. Orthoses are designed to fix and unload the damaged area - a limb, a joint. These are expensive products, as they are made according to the contour of the limbs of specific patients.

Cheaper are semi-rigid bandages made of synthetic fibers and thermoplastic. After application, such material becomes elastic, but supports the broken limb in the correct position.

Plastic plaster is a bandage made of polymer immobilizing strips, which the doctor also first moistens with water, then bandages the broken limb. The material dries, becomes very durable, while being much lighter than gypsum, “breathes,” that is, it allows steam and oxygen to pass through.

Plastic clips look neat and can be equipped with a zipper. Or there are other possibilities for removing the bandage. This is important in cases where a patient with a fracture is prescribed physical therapy.

Some types of elastic bandages can be wetted with water, they do not get wet. Others are recommended to be dried with a hairdryer after water procedures. Unfortunately, such fixators are not used for all types of fractures; there are restrictions when “rigid” immobilization is required.

It is difficult to remove the plastic Scotchcast bandage yourself at home. Durable plastic does not get wet from warm water and cannot be cut with scissors. You need to go to the emergency room, where there is a special file.

Differences between a splint and plaster

A splint or splint is a removable plaster cast. Used for fixation of simple fractures, such as fingers or toes. A splint is placed on the forearm when the radius is fractured in the so-called typical place (wrist). This type of fixation is also used for fractures of the forearm and shoulder.

Strengthen a hard bandage, similar to a boat, groove, with a soft bandage. To remove the splint, just cut this bandage. You can do this yourself or seek help at an emergency room.

Can I remove the cast myself?

Do you want to reduce all the efforts of the surgeon and your own financial costs to zero? - Take it off. But know that any surgeon has every right to refuse responsibility for the result of rhinoplasty if such actions are suspected on the part of the patient. The ban on “amateur work” applies to turundas (splints), seams, and plaster.

It happens that the cast or splint comes off completely or partially on its own. In the first case, do not panic, but consult a doctor immediately. In the second, also call the surgeon and inform him of the need for an emergency appointment, but do not “help” the rest of the bandage to detach from the nose.

What to do after removing the cast

It is necessary to carefully wash the injured limb, freed from the fixator. If there are no wounds, then lubricate with body moisturizer. Often, hematomas and wounds remain at the site of injury. You can apply a healing ointment (Bepanten, Dexpanthenol). Good care will help restore the appearance of the skin, exercise will make the muscles elastic.

After the cast is removed at the emergency room, they are usually sent for a follow-up examination. Based on its results, the doctor will prescribe rehabilitation procedures and medications that promote healing, blood circulation, and strengthening of the injured limb.

Massage, paraffin or ozokerite baths, and rubbing with bischofite help well. They restore muscle mobility and increase lymph and blood flow. And also, thanks to the procedures, hematomas resolve faster.

Physical therapy—a special set of exercises—is of great importance for rehabilitation. They help restore metabolism and mobility. Therapeutic gymnastics is performed under the supervision of a specialist.