Casts immobilize the joint above and the joint below the area that is to be kept straight and without motion
. For example, a child with a forearm fracture will have a long arm cast to immobilize the wrist and elbow joints.
Why would you need a long arm cast?
Unstable fractures require a long arm cast
to control forearm rotation and therefore decrease the risk of displacement
. In a very young child, or when there are concerns about compliance, a long-arm cast is always required.
What is a short arm cast used for?
The short arm cast is also known as the below-elbow cast. This is a frequently used circumferential immobilization cast of the forearm and wrist made of either synthetic material or plaster of Paris, used as
a treatment for some local fractures and soft tissue injuries
.
When is a long arm splint appropriate?
Long arm splints are used for
certain injuries requiring immobilization of the elbow
. They limit flexion and extension of the elbow but are not adequate to prevent supination or pronation of the forearm.
How long do you wear a arm cast for?
In most cases it takes
around 6 to 8 weeks
to recover from a broken arm or wrist. It can take longer if your arm or wrist was severely damaged. You will need to wear your plaster cast until the broken bone heals. The skin under the cast may be itchy for a few days but this should pass.
Is there an alternative to a cast?
What Are Alternatives to Casts? More and more, we’re seeing
removable splints and walking boots
as an alternative to casts–or used before or after a cast is put in place. While these options aren’t a solution for all fractures, they work well for some patients and injuries.
How do you survive wearing a cast?
Keep the cast clean:
Stay away from dirt, sand, and powders
, which can make itching or skin irritation worse. If you have a waterproof cast, rinsing the area with clean, cool water after excessive sweating can prevent sores and itchiness from developing. Allow the water to drain once the area is soothed.
Do you need a sling with a short arm cast?
An arm sling
may be needed for support if the cast is
on the hand, wrist, arm, or elbow.
Is P the short arm?
Each chromosome is divided into two sections (arms) based on the location of a narrowing (constriction) called the centromere. By convention,
the shorter arm is called p
, and the longer arm is called q.
What is a full arm cast?
Upper extremity casts encase the arm
, wrist, or hand. A long arm cast encases the arm from the hand to about 2 inches below the armpit, leaving fingers and thumbs free. A short arm cast, in contrast, stops just below the elbow.
What is an arm splint?
A splint is
a temporary piece of fiberglass or plaster held on your arm with a bandage that’s typically used to help reduce swelling
. Once the swelling goes down, the doctor puts on a cast, or brace. If you’re wearing a brace, your doctor may give you a sling to keep everything in place as you heal.
Is a sugar-tong splint a long or short arm splint?
By design sugar-tong splints allow for swelling and are overwrapped or converted to a cast at a later time. Traditionally
long-arm casts
have been used as the standard mode of immobilization for forearm fractures.
What to avoid while wearing a cast?
Do not stick objects such as coat hangers inside the splint or cast to scratch itching skin
. Do not apply powders or deodorants to itching skin. If itching persists, contact your doctor. If something gets stuck inside your cast it may irritate your skin, so contact your doctor.
How do you sleep with a full arm cast?
If it is your Arm,
take the pillow from your bed and place it across your chest
. Place the cast on the pillow to ensure that it is above your heart. A second option is to place pillows on either side of your elbow and point your fingers to the ceiling.
How long does a person wear a cast?
Time spent in a cast can be frustrating, but most people don’t need to wear one for
more than six weeks
. Speak to your doctor if you notice any of the following symptoms: your toes or lower leg appear to lose sensation or turn blue.
