Page 25 - Orthopedic Casting Manual
P. 25

3. Protection of the Injured Area

            - Description: By creating a protective bar rier, a cast prevents ex ter nal trauma
            and contamination of the injur y site.
            Purpose:

            - Guards against infection in cases of closed or healing open wounds.
            - Minimizes mechanical stress and shear forces on
            the injured tissue.
            Clinical Application:

            - Post-surgical immobilization or in soft tissue injuries like tendon repairs.



            4. Reduction of Swelling and Pain
            - Description: Proper ly applied casting can help manage swelling by

            compressing tissues appropriately, without causing vascular or ner ve
            compromise.
            Purpose:

            - Relieves pain by immobilizing the area and preventing movements that
            aggravate nociceptors.
            - Controls edema, which can reduce secondar y complications.
            Clinical Application:

            - Ear ly application of splints or par tial casts in acute injuries to manage swelling
            before transitioning to full casting.



            5. Maintenance of Anatomical Alignment
            Description: A cast ensures that bones, joints, and soft tissues remain in their

            proper anatomical positions.
            Purpose:

            - Prevents defor mities such as malunion or angulation during the healing
            process.
            - Restores biomechanical stabilit y for long-ter m function.
            Clinical Application:
            - Essential in managing fractures of weight-bearing bones or joints, like the

            femur or radius.
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