Page 164 - ASOP ROT Study Guide
P. 164
Casts have many disadvantages. They are heavy and they immobilize the joints.
Clinicians cannot examine the covered part, or use investigative techniques such as
X-ray. Apart from the cost and inconvenience in having to remove them during
treatment to assess progress, the immobility imposed on a limb results in muscle
wasting and limited mobility due to joint stiffness.
Functional braces
It is possible to overcome the disadvantages of a plaster cast (outlined above) by
freeing the joints. In order to maintain three dimensional control of the fracture it is
necessary to support the cast at the joints by a combination of accurate molding
and the provision of hinges, which permit motion in one direction, usually flexion
and extension.
These braces are highly dependent on a very accurate fit and so they tend to be
used after a few weeks, when pain and swelling have settled).
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