Hip spica cast care in childrenHip spica cast care in children

M.H: Ebrahimzadeh MD

Department of Orthopedic Surgery

Ghaem Hospital Medical School

Mashad, Iran

Ebrahimzadehmh@mums.ac.ir

Applied For:Applied For:

• Development hip dysplasia

• Fracture of femur

• Thigh and pelvis tendon transfer

Draying timeDraying time

• Plaster of Paris 48 hours

• Fiberglas 2 hours

Check the function of nerves Check the function of nerves and blood vesselsand blood vessels

1- the color of child’s toes.(pink and warm)

2- the child should be able to feel all sides of his/her toes.

3- little swelling of the toes.

4- wiggle his/her toes.

Cast careCast care

1- Cut several strip of :

- Water proof tape

- Mole skin tape

- Micro foam TM tape (for latex sensitive patients)

2- Tuck it around the cast edges.

- Special attention to diaper area.

Cast careCast care

• Observe the cast for:

- Cracks - Softening- Dents - Increasing tightness or lessening

- Drainage on the cast

Skin careSkin care

Daily check by mother :

- with a flash light

1- redness areas under cast

2- blister

3- sores

- rub the skin under edges of cast with alcohol.

Skin careSkin care

- not use of lotion or powders - not allow the child to stick any objects under cast- blow cool air under cast edge.(for itching).- expose the skin as much as possible.

DietDiet

• Constipation:

- inactivity

- pain medications

DietDiet

• Meal position :

- Upright as possible.

• Meal times: more frequent and smaller

- avoid over feeding !

Meals types:Meals types:

- Fresh fruit - Raw vegetables - Grain breads - Cereals

ClothingClothing

• Not to dress to much clothes and fasten.

• Custom made clothes.

PositioningPositioning

• Supine

• Prone

• Side-lying

TransportingTransporting

• Don’t use cross-bar for lifting the child

• Smaller child:

-Stroller or wagon older child

• Older child:

-Reclining wheelchair

Diapers and bedpansDiapers and bedpans

Use of a smaller than usual and tuck the diaper between child’s skin and cast, keep plastic backing next to cast surface.

- Check the diaper every one to two hours

BathingBathing

- Sponge bath every day (protect the cast plastic bags)

- Dray the skin.- Mild soap.

- Zinc oxide ointment.- Use of light sprays- Use of cool air drayer.

ReferencesReferences

1- Internet web side of:- Britrish Colombia

children’s Hospital, BC.Canada.

- Cincinative children’s Hospital, USA.

- Children’s virtual Hospital, University of Iowa, USA.

- Philadelphia Children Hospital, USA.

2- Published Papers in

Indexed Journals.