Page 25 - Orthopedic Casting Manual

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.