Types of Cast and Indications

Cast

• Is a temporary immobilization.
• Types:
  1. Plaster
  2. Fiber glass

Function

• To promote healing and early weight bearing.
• To support, maintain and protect realigned bone.
• To prevent or correct deformity
• To immobilize

Cast Application

1. Apply the stockinette.
2. Apply the wadding sheet.
3. Fiber glass or the plaster cast

Contraindications

1. Pregnancy
2. Skin disease
3. Swelling
4. Open wound
5. Infection

Nursing Interventions

1. Handle wet cast with palms of hands, not fingers.
2. Cast should be allowed to air dry.
3. Elevate the cast on one or two pillows during drying.
4. Observe “hot spot” and musty odor, which is signs and symptoms of infection.
5. Maintain skin integrity – “petalling”
6. Do neurovascular checks such as skin color, skin temperature, sensation, mobility and pulse.
7. Assess for vascular occlusion.
8. Adhesive tape petals reduce irritation at cast edges.
9. Prevent complication of mobility.

Types Of Cast, Molds And Indications

1. Airplane cast – for humerus and shoulder joint with compound fracture.
2. Basket cast – for severe leg trauma with open wound or inflammation.
3. Body cast – for lower dorso-lumbar spine affectation.
4. Boot leg cast – for hip and femoral fracture.
5. Cast brace – for fracture of femur (distal curve) with flexion and extension.
6. Collar cast – for cervical affectation.
7. Cylindrical leg cast – for fractured patella.
8. Delbit cast – for fracture of tibia or fibula.
9. Double hip spica cast – for fracture of hip and femur.
10. Double hip spica mold – cervical affectation with callus formation.
11. Frog cast – for congenital hip dislocation.
12. Functional cast – for fractured humerus with abduction and adduction.
13. Hanging cast – for fractured shaft of the humerus.
14. Internal rotator splint – for post hip operation.
15. Long arm circular cast – for fractured radius or ulna
16. Long arm posterior mold – for fractured radius or ulna with compound affectation.
17. Long leg circular cast – for fractured tibia-fibula.
18. Long leg posterior mold – for fracture tibia-fibula with compound affectation.
19. Minerva cast – for upper dorsal or cervical affectation.
20. Munster cast – for fractured radius or ulna with callus formation.
21. Night splint – for post polio.
22. Pantalon cast – for pelvic bone fracture
23. Patella tendon bearing cast – for fractured tibia-fibula with callus formation.
24. Quadrilateral (ischial weight bearing) cast – for shaft of femur with callus formation.
25. Rizzer’s jacket – for scoliosis
26. Short arm circular cast – for wrist and fingers.
27. Short arm posterior mold – for wrist and fingers with compound affectation.
28. Short leg circular cast – for ankle and foot fracture.
29. Short leg posterior mold – for ankle and foot with compound affectation.
30. Shoulder spica – for humerus and shoulder joint.
31. Single hip spica – for hip and 1 femur.
32. Single hip spica mold – for pelvic fracture with callus formation.
33. 1 and ½ hip spica – for hip and femur.
34. 1 and ½ spica mold – for hip and femur with compound affectation.

Daisy Jane Antipuesto RN MN

Currently a Nursing Local Board Examination Reviewer. Subjects handled are Pediatric, Obstetric and Psychiatric Nursing. Previous work experiences include: Clinical instructor/lecturer, clinical coordinator (Level II), caregiver instructor/lecturer, NC2 examination reviewer and staff/clinic nurse. Areas of specialization: Emergency room, Orthopedic Ward and Delivery Room. Also an IELTS passer.

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