Can you walk in a hip spica cast?
Do not allow walking in a spica cast. This may disrupt the healing process. Some children do not fit safely in their car seat after they are in a spica cast.
How long is spica cast for hip dysplasia?
It will typically be on for 6 weeks to 3 months. Spica casts are most commonly used for infants with development hip dysplasia (DDH) and for young children with broken legs or who have had hip or pelvis surgery. Most people with hip dysplasia are born with it.
What to expect after the spica cast comes off?
After the cast is removed, it is normal for there to be some discomfort in the bones and joints that were immobilized, for the arm or leg to be smaller than the other side, and for the skin to have some changes (dry skin and more hair). A few baths in warm water will soak off the dry, flaky skin.
Are Hip Spica casts still used?
Hip spicas were formerly common in reducing femoral fractures, but today are rarely used except for congenital hip dislocations, and then mostly while the child is still an infant. Spica casts are typically made using a soft padded lining, which tightly wrapped around the leg and hip joint.
What are the different types of hip spica casts?
Unilateral hip spica cast (applied from the chest to the foot on one leg for thigh fractures) One-and one-half hip spica cast (applied from the chest to the foot on one leg to the knee of the other leg) Bilateral long leg hip spica cast (applied from the chest to the feet) Short leg hip spica cast (applied from the chest to the thighs or knees)
What is a long leg spica cast used for?
A bar is placed between both legs to keep the hips and legs immobilized. It is used for thigh fractures or to hold the hip or thigh muscles and tendons in place after surgery to allow healing. Bilateral long leg hip spica cast – applied from the chest to the feet.
What is a long leg cast for hip fracture?
Bilateral long leg hip spica cast – applied from the chest to the feet. A bar is placed between both legs to keep the hips and legs immobilized. It is used for pelvis, hip or thigh fractures or to hold the hip or thigh muscles and tendons in place after surgery to allow healing.
What are the possible complications of spica cast placement?
These complications have been reported when a spica cast with the hip and knee in 90° of flexion is applied after traction through a short leg cast. 81 Short leg cast application as the initial step in spica cast placement should be avoided so that this disastrous complication is prevented ( Fig. 14-18 ). Nerve palsies have also been reported.
