Casts for fractures of the fingers and thumbs are a common treatment option for patients with broken bones. Casts for fractures of the fingers and thumbs are also referred to as hand casts or splints. Casts for fractures of the hand are custom-made, cast-form, or cast-free wrist casts. Casts for wrist fractures are designed for proper sizing, fit, and function and should be used every day for many weeks or months until the fracture heals. Casts for fractures of the hand are available for different forms of fractures.

Fingers, Thumbs, Forearms

Casts for fractures of the fingers, thumbs, and forearms are effective for patients with minor fractures or those that have no change in their size or shape. Casts for fractures of the hands can be used for proximal fractures that affect the proximal (inner) part of the hand. Casts for fractures of the thumb and forearms/elbow can be used as an alternative to splints after eight weeks of cast immobilization at home. Casts for wrist and hand fractures usually take between four and eight weeks to heal completely. Casts for fractures of the thumb and forearms can be used for hand rehabilitation after they heal.

Pelvic Region

Casts for fractures of the pelvic region can be used for fractures that affect the pelvic bones. Casts for wrist fractures and cast splints are often combined for wrist or hand rehabilitation. Casts for fractures of the pelvic region can be cast regularly for five to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the fracture. Casts for fractures of the pelvic region are sometimes used as part of hand casts for fracture management or as a quick-relief device when cast immobilization is not feasible for fractures of the hand or wrist. Casts for fractures of the pelvic region are used less frequently.

Casts for fractures of the pelvis can be used for postcast studies to monitor pressure ulcers. There are two types of pressure ulcers: open and closed. Open ulcers are more painful and result in more friction injuries because they are located more openly. Closed pressure ulcers are less painful and heal more quickly, but may lead to recurrence if not treated properly.

Casts for fractures of the pelvis can be used to immobilize patients who experience pain from pelvic surfacing. In most cases, the cast will be placed around the pelvis for one to three weeks to treat the pain. Patients can then go home to take advantage of their cast as the cast will begin to heal the opening around the pelvis. Casts for fractures of the neck can be used for five to ten days to relieve neck pain and scoliosis. For cast immobilization, synthetic fibreglass cast is typically recommended. This type of cast has a longer life expectancy than a cast made from soft plastic.

Hand and Wrist

Casts for fractures of the hand are used as primary care or emergency care for a variety of injuries. Casts for fractures of the hand are the best choice for patients that do not require surgical treatment or orthopedic surgery. Casts for wrist fractures, hand casts for forearms/elbows and cast hand casts for fractures of any area, can be used to manage pain during everyday activities and add to daily strength. Casts for fractures of the hand and forearms are often used for rapid correction of fractures by strengthening weak muscles in this area. Casts for fractures of the hand are used to strengthen muscles of the forearm for everyday activities. Casts for fractures of the hand and forearms can be used as a rapid relief to minor hand and wrist pain.

Patients with hand or wrist fractures that are identified through podcast study should be referred to a specialist in pediatric orthopedic surgery or trauma centre for in-depth diagnosis and treatment. Casts for wrist and hand fractures that can’t be fixed by a cast splint may require a procedure called “torectomy” to remove the cast and heal the fractures. Children older than 18 years with these types of fractures need to have a minimum of one postcast study within three months of the first diagnosis. A podcast study needs to be performed every six months to six years for children.

Casts for wrist and hand fractures can also be used for immobilization. Casts for wrist and hand fractures that cannot be fixed by a cast splint can be immobilized with casts for wrist and hand within four to six weeks of the initial diagnosis. The procedure is done in an outpatient setting and typically requires a cast splint and a cast immobilizer. Casts for wrist and hand can also be used for ankle and foot immobilization in most circumstances. These conditions usually require a cast immobilizer for six to eight weeks, depending on the severity of the ankle or foot fractures.…

Learn More