Casting
Comprehensive casting services are offered at Revere Health to support and protect broken bones and injured limbs, allowing for proper healing and restoration of function. Casts are custom-made protective shells that stabilize the affected area, reduce pain, and minimize swelling and muscle spasms during the recovery process. They are typically used to treat fractures, ligament injuries, and post-surgical immobilization.
Types of Casts
Casts can be made from a variety of materials, most commonly plaster or fiberglass. Each material has unique benefits:
Plaster: Provides a snug fit around irregular shapes and is often used for complex fractures. It’s less expensive but heavier and less durable than other materials.
Fiberglass: A lighter, more durable material that allows X-rays to pass through more easily, enabling better monitoring of the healing process.
The Casting Process
The application of a cast involves several steps to ensure the limb is properly positioned and supported. A layer of padding is first applied to protect the skin. The cast material (fiberglass or plaster) is then wrapped around the injury and allowed to harden, creating a firm shell that holds the bones in place.
Types of Casts and Splints
Full Casts: Encase the entire circumference of the limb for maximum stability.
Splints: Also known as “half-casts,” these are ideal for accommodating swelling and provide more flexibility and comfort compared to full casts.
In some cases, a splint may be applied first to allow room for swelling, and a full cast is added later as the swelling subsides.
Aftercare and Precautions
Proper care is essential to ensure the cast remains effective. Patients should keep the cast dry, avoid inserting objects into the cast to scratch, and monitor for signs of excessive tightness, pain, or skin irritation. Elevation and icing the area can help reduce swelling during the first few days of healing. Revere Health provides detailed aftercare instructions and follow-up appointments to monitor healing and adjust the cast as needed.
For more information on casting and related treatments, contact Revere Health to schedule a consultation.