Page 104 - Orthopedic Casting Manual

2.4 Long Arm Cast cont ...

Stockinette Applic ation
Applying a stockinette and p adding cor rectly is crucial for p atient comfor t and protection. Here is a step-by-step
guide on how to apply both the stockinette and p adding:

Prep are the mater ials: Gather the necessar y mater ials, including a stockinette, scissors, and c ast
p adding.

Me asure the stockinette: Me asure the length of the p atient's ar m from the b ase of the hand to the
axilla, and add a few ex tra inches to allow for folding at the top and bottom. Cut the stockinette to the
appropr iate length.

Position the stockinette: Slide the stockinette over the p atient's ar m so that it covers the entire length
of the limb. Make sure that the stockinette is not too loose or too tight.

Fold the top of the stockinette: Fold the top of the stockinette down towards the p atient's hand,
le aving a few inches of excess mater ial at the top. This will cre ate a cuff that will protect the skin from
the c ast mater ial.

Fold the bottom of the stockinette: Fold the bottom of the stockinette up towards the p atient's axilla,
le aving a few inches of excess mater ial at the bottom.

Smooth the stockinette: Smooth out any wr inkles or folds in the stockinette to ensure a comfor table
and snug f it.

Padding Applic ation

Appl y the f irst layer: Star t at the b ase of the hand and wrap the f irst layer of c ast p adding over the
stockinette, making sure to cover the entire limb. The p adding should over lap ½ with e ach tur n to
ensure a smooth and even sur face.

Appl y the second layer: Once the f irst layer is in place, appl y a second layer of c ast p adding in the
same manner. The second layer should over lap the f irst layer by approximatel y half of its wid th.

Continue adding layers: Depending on the sever it y of the injur y and the physician's instructions,
additional layers of c ast p adding may be needed. Appl y e ach layer in the same manner as the f irst
t wo, making sure to cover the entire limb.

Smooth out any wr inkles: As you appl y e ach layer of c ast p adding, make sure to smooth out any
wr inkles or folds to ensure a comfor table f it. Wr inkles or folds c an c ause discomfor t and may even
le ad to pressure sores.

Check for proper f it: After appl ying the c ast p adding, check to ensure that it is not too tight or too
loose. The p adding should provide cushioning and protection for the limb, but should not constr ict
blood flow or c ause discomfor t.

Overall, applying c ast p adding over the stockinette in a long ar m or thopedic c ast is an impor tant step in
protecting the p atient's skin and ensur ing a comfor table fit. I t is impor tant to follow the physician's instructions
c arefully.