Page 94 - ASOP Orthopedic Casting Manual

2.2.1 Short Arm Cast LSACM -

Removal

Shor t Ar m Cast Removal
Removing a shor t ar m c ast with an or thopedic c ast cutter requires c are and attention to avoid injur y. An
or thopedic c ast cutter, also known as a c ast saw, is a specialized tool designed to remove c asts by cutting
through the hard c asting mater ial without injur ing the p atient's skin. Follow these steps to remove a shor t ar m
c ast using an or thopedic c ast cutter:

Prep are the p atient and wor ksp ace: Have the p atient sit in a comfor table position with their ar m
suppor ted on a stable sur face. Ensure the wor ksp ace is well-lit and that you have all the necessar y
tools, such as the c ast cutter, c ast spre ader, and scissors.

Safet y me asures: Explain the process to the p atient and re assure them that the c ast cutter will not
har m their skin. The c ast cutter wor ks by vibrating at a high frequency, which allows it to cut through
the c ast mater ial but not the skin. I t is nor mal for the c ast cutter to generate some he at and noise
dur ing the process, so let the p atient know what to expect. Use zip stick if available for additional
protection.

Begin cutting the c ast: Tur n on the c ast cutter and star t cutting along the length of the c ast. Hold the
cutter per pendicular to the c ast's sur face and appl y gentle pressure. You c an make a cut along the
side of the ar m, usuall y following the natural cur ve bet ween the thumb and the fore ar m. Be c autious
not to press too hard or cut too deep, as this may c ause discomfor t or injur y to the p atient.

Check for p adding: Per iodic all y stop cutting and check if you've re ached the p adding layer bene ath
the c ast. The p adding will provide an additional layer of protection for the p atient's skin.

Cut the other side: Make a similar cut on the opposite side of the c ast, ensur ing that the t wo cuts are
roughl y p arallel to one another.

Use a c ast spre ader: Once both cuts are complete, inser t the c ast spre ader into one of the cuts and
gentl y spre ad the edges ap ar t. This will help to bre ak any remaining connections bet ween the c ast
pieces and cre ate enough sp ace to safel y remove the c ast.

Remove the c ast: Carefull y lift the c ast pieces away from the p atient's ar m, making sure not to pull or
tug on the skin. If needed, use scissors to cut through the p adding and stockinette under ne ath the
c ast.

Inspect the skin: After the c ast is removed, examine the p atient's skin for any signs of ir r itation,
infection, or injur y. Encourage the p atient to gentl y move their f ingers and wr ist to regain mobilit y.

Remember that c ast removal should be per for med by a he al thc are professional or someone trained in c ast
removal to ensure the safet y and well-being of the p atient.