Some DOs

• do rest the plaster on something soft until dry; use a pillow to rest your child’s leg on
• do keep the plaster raised especially for 24 – 48 hours, to prevent swelling; elevate the leg on pillows initially, and at night
• do make sure your child frequently exercises their toes
• do check the colour of your child’s toes – they should be pink; squeeze the nail white, then release. They should return immediately to pink
• do watch for swelling – when your child hangs their leg down there will be some swelling. Get them to rest their leg on a chair for a couple of hours – compare it to the other leg; are they the same?
• do keep your cast clean and dry
• do remember to bring your child’s crutches to the fracture clinic, even if your child is not using them at the time
• do check around the plaster for any smells – plasters do have a slight smell but should not be unpleasant
• do ring the accident and emergency department or contact your medical team if you are worried

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Some DON'Ts

• don’t use hairdryers or other drying equipment to dry the plaster – they may burn your child or crack the plaster; let the plaster dry naturally
• don’t press on the plaster for 48 hours until dry – pressing on it will dent it
• don’t write on the plaster until it is dry
• don’t get it wet
• don’t poke anything, such as knitting needles, down the plaster; it may damage your child’s skin
• don’t let your child walk on their plaster:
  – without using crutches
  – without instructions from the doctor
• don’t put lotions, creams or powder inside the plaster or around the edges
• don’t cut or remove the plaster – ring the hospital if it is uncomfortable

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

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What about bathing?

If your child’s plaster is a below knee plaster:

• wrap a towel around the plaster
• place the leg in a plastic bag large enough to cover it completely
• secure the end with tape (such as sellotape)
• either get your child to put their foot on the edge of the bath or on a stool just outside the shower

If your child’s plaster is an above knee plaster:

• just get your child to have a good wash all over with a cloth; do not attempt bathing or showering

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When should I seek help?

After being sent home (discharged), you should take your child back to the accident and emergency department or contact your medical team urgently if:

• they complain of pain that is worsening and not helped by pain relief and elevation
• their foot goes cold, pale or blue (or becomes increasingly swollen)
• they complain of fuzziness, numbness, pins and needles or tingling in the fractured limb or toes
• they are unable to move their toes

If the plaster becomes cracked, broken, soft or loose, or it is rubbing, don’t walk on it – use crutches and contact your medical team. If this happens in the evening, contact your medical team the next morning.

 

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Follow-up appointments

It is very important that your child returns for their follow-up appointments.

 

Your child will usually be given a fracture clinic appointment five to 14 days after discharge. At this appointment, another x-ray will be taken to make sure the bone is healing and is in place. Follow-up at fracture clinic will usually be required several more times after this to ensure the break is healing.

 

Make sure you are given individual instructions for follow-up from your nurse or doctor before you leave hospital.

 

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Saying goodbye to the plaster

When your child’s injury has healed, their plaster will be removed with specially designed plaster shears or saw that will cut through the plaster but cannot cut the skin.

 

Plaster removal is a fast and painless process.

 

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Back to normal

Your doctor will tell you how much physical activity is advisable for your child while their injury heals. After the plaster is removed, your doctor will probably let your child gradually resume regular activities, provided they do not cause discomfort to the newly healed limb. Please always check with your doctor first.

 

Remember to return your child’s crutches when finished.

 

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Acknowledgements

Orthopaedic Services. Canterbury District Health Board. 2005. Care of your cast: Patient information.

 

Starship Children’s Health. 2005. Plaster care: Patient and family information.

 

Waikato District Health Board. You and your leg plaster.

 

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Endorsement

This fact sheet was endorsed by PSNZ - 26/03/2008

Copyright

Fact sheets are subject to copyright. In the interests of information sharing they may be copied but acknowledgement must be given to PSNZ and Starship Foundation.
© The Paediatric Society of New Zealand and Starship Foundation 2005 - 2010

The Paediatric Society of New Zealand http://www.paediatrics.org.nz

Starship Foundation http://www.starship.org.nz