Cast / Splint Care Instructions

CAST / SPLINT CARE INSTRUCTIONS

You have a fractured (broken) bone. This may be a small crack or a chip in the bone, or a major break with the broken parts displaced (pushed out of position). Generally, most fractures take six to twelve weeks to heal; however, each patient is unique, and your fracture could take more time to heal.

	Your cast / splint will take up to two (2) hours to fully harden. Therefore, do not apply any pressure on it during that time or is may break.
	To prevent swelling under the cast/splint, for the first 48 hours.

		If your cast / splint in on your hand or arm, keep it in a sling or raise it to shoulder level when sitting or laying down. Rest your arm on your chest or on a pillow at your side when lying down.
		If your cast /splint is on your leg of foot, keep it propped up above the level of your waist when sitting or laying down. Avoid crutch walking as much as possible for the first 48 hours.

	Keep your cast / splint completely dry at all time. Bathe with your cast / splint out of the water, protected with a large, plastic bag. If your cast / splint becomes wet, use a hair dryer to warm the cast / splint and speed up the drying process. A wet cast / splint may cause skin problems.
	Please do not insert object into the cast! This bunches the cast padding. Which can break the skin underneath the cast that may easily become infected. Even coins can cause a chemical reaction to the skin and may also cause a pressure sore.
	Please do not scratch inside the cast! If you are experiencing itching, try using a hair dryer on a cool setting and blow air inside the cast, or lay directly on the cast and the vibration will help with the itching. For more severe itching, over the counter antihistamines, such as Benadryl, may relieve the itching.
	Please do not modify your cast in any way! If you are experiencing discomfort from a rough edge or other structural problem in the cast, call the office for advice. A nail file is useful for simple rough edges. *Do not remove any part of the cast by yourself*. This can lead to a serious new injury and/or re-injury to the affected limb.

Be sure to call the office immediately if any of the following occur:

If you experience numbness, tingling, loss of movement of fingers or toes, increase in pain or swelling that is not relieved by ice and elevation, if the cast is too tight or too loose, if the cast is causing chafing or pressure in a specific areas, if the cast breaks, if you develop a fever, if the cast gets wet and remains wet over 24 hours, or if any chemicals are spilled on or into the cast.

Ask the doctor of the nurse of you are unsure about the above instructions or any activity restrictions.