Orthopedic cast

A plaster cast is applied generally to external mechanical fixation of a bone fracture ( fracture). This type of fracture treatment is called conservative. It is used mainly in uncomplicated, non-displaced or after repositioning stable fractures. The contrary, the surgical treatment, in which the individual pieces of bone to be fixed by means of metal parts (see osteosynthesis ).

As further indications for the application of a plaster cast are, for example, immobilization and / or pain relief for severe sprains and bruises as well as after surgical treatment of tendon and ligament tears.

Most casts are applied to the extremities.

History

The plaster cast was invented in 1851 by the Dutch physician Antonius Mathijsen ( 1805-1878 ). He worked as an army doctor. However, since prehistoric times rails were used in combination with other thermosetting materials, such as clay or clay. However, the durability of these was to be desired. 1834 had the Belgian military doctor Louis Seutin already developed a bandage of linen bandages, splints and strength ( the paste bandage ), but needed two days to drying, which was unsuitable especially for soldiers during the battle. Mathijsen opted for cotton and plaster. This combination had a lot of advantages. It was cheap, the associations could be easily add and remove again, but remained well on the arm or leg stick, dried quickly and were so stably that the wall thickness and therefore the weight could remain relatively low. 1852 went Mathijsen with his invention to the public and soon the plaster went on to conquer in the civilian medicine.

More than a century changed the cast is not much. Only in the late 20th century, the cast came more and more into the background and is almost exclusively used for short-term fixation. For longer treatments plastic fibers are now used mainly with synthetic resin. The benefits are even more rapid cure, even lower weight and better resistance to moisture. However, the costs are significantly higher and the question of the environmental impact ( in manufacture and disposal ) of the associations is hardly found. Plastic casts are often referred to in the German language with the English term Cast.

Disadvantages of plaster

• Risk of thrombosis by the immobilization
• Joint stiffness by the immobilization
• Risk of adverse effect on the blood flow and nerve function
• Breakdown of muscle mass ( atrophy ) by immobilization