Summertime in Southern Oregon is a fun time, but sometimes accidents happen to children during that fun, and sometimes those accidents involve a broken bone. Casts in the heat of the summer can be uncomfortable and difficult to keep clean on children who are dirt magnets. Cast care might be something you believe is information you only need when you need it. However, in the midst of x-rays, pain management, cast placement, and forming a future care plan, the information overload can prevent you from remembering some important points. Many parents like the idea of a waterproof cast. Paragon Orthopedic Center no longer uses these for reasons you should know and understand. Firstly, imagine the water that inevitably gets between the skin and the waterproof cast. The cast has a waterproof interior, but there will still be moisture in there after the cast is submerged. It has to be a tight fit to keep the broken bones from moving, so the water cannot readily evaporate, causing itchiness, skin irritation, and odors. Secondly, these can be very expensive and insurance will not always cover the higher cost. Dr. Bents and Dr. Van Horne make choices basted on the best patient outcomes, and after trying these, they felt patients had the shortest cast time with the least amount of side effects using regular casts. This does mean you have to take measures to protect it from moisture, but it isn’t as difficult as you might think. Here is an article the American Academy of Orthopedic Surgeons wrote to educate you on casts and cast care. Of course you will hear much of this from our expert staff if you’re ever seen for a casting, but it’s good to educate yourself when the stress isn’t high. Plus, you might be able to help someone in your life if they get a cast. Read on:
https://orthoinfo.aaos.org/en/recovery/care-of-casts-and-splints/
