External fixation method used to immobilize bones and joints in cases of fracture, dislocation, or soft tissue injury. It supports healing and reduces pain.
Indication
- Closed bone fractures (arm, wrist, ankle, finger)
- Joint sprains and ligament injuries requiring supportive fixation
- Fixation after reduction of dislocations
- Splinting for rest in selected tendon injuries
- Fixation to protect healing after surgical repair
- Pediatric fractures requiring child-appropriate light fixation
Preparation
- X-ray evaluation of the injured area
- Inspection of skin wounds and swelling
- Removal of rings and tight accessories (to prevent circulation problems from swelling)
- Skin is cleaned and dried
How it's performed
- The bone or joint is held in proper alignment (closed reduction is performed if necessary)
- Soft cotton padding is wrapped over the skin
- Wet plaster bandage or pre-formed splint material is applied in layers
- A splint or open cast is often preferred initially to allow for swelling
- The limb is kept still until the cast hardens
- Circulation, sensation, and movement at the fingertips are checked
Post-procedure
- The limb is kept above heart level for the first 24-48 hours to reduce swelling
- Fixation is generally maintained for 4-6 weeks (varies by fracture type)
- Healing is monitored with follow-up X-rays
- The cast or splint is removed by the physician
- Physical therapy is provided afterwards for muscle strength and joint mobility
Risks
- Compartment syndrome from swelling (pain, sensory loss, coldness — requires emergency evaluation)
- Skin irritation, pressure ulcer, or itching
- Infection under the cast (foul odor, fever)
- Temporary joint stiffness and muscle weakness
- Displacement of the fracture if fixation is improper or shifts
FAQ
How long does a cast or splint stay on?
Duration varies by fracture site and patient age; in most adult fractures 4-6 weeks of fixation is sufficient. The physician determines the duration individually based on follow-up X-rays.
What should I do if the cast gets wet?
Classic plaster casts soften when wet and may damage the skin. Cover the cast with a plastic protector during bathing. If it does get wet or develops odor, burning, or itching, consult your physician.
Which symptoms require urgent medical attention?
Increasing pain, bluish discoloration, coldness, sensory loss in the fingers; the cast feeling too tight or too loose; or fever and odor under the cast require emergency evaluation.
Will my joint return to normal immediately after the cast comes off?
Joint stiffness and muscle weakness are common. With controlled exercise and physical therapy when needed, function noticeably improves within a few weeks.
Related Information
Related Medical Services
Other services in the same specialty or with similar indications you may want to explore.
Pin Removal
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Pin removal — taking out the temporary fixation wire after fracture healing is complete.
SMALL BONE FRACTURE SURGERY
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Small bone fracture surgery — surgical fixation of displaced fractures in regions such as the hand, foot, and wrist.
Orthopedic implant removal
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Orthopedic implant removal — surgery to remove plates, screws, and nails after healing is complete.
Long Bone Fracture Surgery
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Long bone fracture surgery — surgical fixation of long bone fractures such as the femur, tibia, and humerus.
Fracture Diagnosis and Treatment
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Fracture diagnosis and treatment — accurate diagnosis of bone fractures and management of healing through casting/splinting or surgical fixation.
Entrapment Neuropathy Surgery
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Entrapment neuropathy surgery — decompression and release of peripheral nerves at sites of compression.
Shoulder Rotator Cuff Repair
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Shoulder rotator cuff repair — arthroscopic or open repair of torn supraspinatus and other rotator cuff tendons.
Tendon repair
Orthopedics & Traumatology
Tendon repair — end-to-end suturing of torn or ruptured tendons using open or percutaneous technique.