What materials are available?
The stabilizing part of real plaster casts is made of plaster. Nowadays, however, plastic splints are also referred to as plaster, even though no plaster was actually used. In addition to the hard parts of a plaster cast, many other materials are used to ensure the greatest possible stabilization and a comfortable fit.
A hard bandage usually consists of four layers: a skin protection, the padding, the hard material and a cover. The skin protection in the form of a tubular bandage (a kind of tubular gauze bandage) is intended to protect them from irritation caused by the plaster cast and thus increase the wearing comfort and cooperation of the patient. The padding, which consists of a thick layer of absorbent cotton, is placed over the lowest layer.
This is wrapped with crepe paper so that the absorbent cotton does not come into contact with the plaster and thus becomes hard. The third layer, the hard material, is applied either in the form of wet plaster bandages or as a plastic splint. The top layer is made of the same material as the skin protection. A gauze bandage is wrapped around the plaster or a tubular bandage is pulled over it. If necessary, the plaster can then be wrapped again with a bandage of firmer, self-adhesive plastic bandages.
What type of fracture?
In principle, plaster casts can be used for all uncomplicated fractures of the extremities without prior surgery. All other bone fractures must first be treated surgically before a decision can be made on the application of plaster. The upper extremities include the upper and lower arms, hands and fingers.
The lower extremities include the upper and lower thighs, feet and toes. Broken toes are not usually treated with a cast or splint.A bone fracture must meet several criteria to be classified as uncomplicated:The fracture must be closed – no bone parts may protrude from the fracture site. The fracture must not be displaced (dislocated).
If the edges of the fracture are displaced, the edges must either be approached again traumatically (with force) or a surgical correction of the position must be performed. There must be no multiple fragment fracture (multiple fractures, up to 6 bone parts) and no comminuted fracture (the bone is broken or fragmented into more than 6 parts). Corresponding bone fractures must first be treated surgically. Bone splinters, which would not affect bone healing per se, must also be removed before a plaster cast is applied. Otherwise there is a risk of inflammation followed by wound healing disorders.
