What is a body spica cast?
Spica (body) casts are used to keep the thighbone (femur) and pelvis still. We call this immobilization. This cast holds the joint above the hip (the spine) and the joint below the hip (the knee) still, so that the femur and pelvic bones stay still to heal.
Why would a baby need a body cast?
Your child may need a hip spica or body cast in the following situations: to keep the ends of a broken bone (fracture) together so they can heal correctly. to prevent a body part from moving after a surgery. to correct a deformity like club foot or a hip displacement.
How do you carry a child in a spica cast?
How do you keep a child in a spica cast comfortable? The child may sit in whatever position is comfortable. Try using pillows, throw cushions or a bean bag chair to help prop her up. Small children can be pulled around in a wagon or stroller.
What is a full body cast used for?
This cast is used to keep the thigh bones and pelvis still so they can heal. It holds the hip joint bones in the right position. It covers both legs (maybe one just partially), the waist and part of the abdomen. It will typically be on for 6 weeks to 3 months.
How do you go to the bathroom in a spica cast?
Place a diaper inside the edges of the rear part of the cast. Use disposable diapers only. Keep the plastic side facing the cast and absorbent side next to your child’s skin. Change the diaper as soon as your child urinates or has a bowel movement.
How do I get rid of urine smell in spica cast?
It is normal for the cast to get a little dirty. Clean the area next the edges of the cast with a baby wipe or wash cloth. You can use Febreeze® or a small amount of baby powder on the outside of your child’s cast if there is an odor. If the odor is very strong and does not go away, call your child’s doctor.
How do you pee with a hip cast?
Raise your child’s head and shoulders when they are on the bedpan to help prevent urine from getting on the cast. When finished, wash and dry your child’s skin and throw away the plastic wrap. − Boys can pee into a container called a urinal.
How do you sleep with a spica cast?
Sleeping. Never place your child on their front (tummy) to sleep in a hip spica. When putting your child down for a sleep or rest, they must be on their back. Safe sleep guidelines still apply to babies in hip spicas.
Can child stand in spica cast?
A hip spica body cast is used to keep your child’s hips and legs from moving after an injury and / or operation. It is not a walking cast; your child should not stand, bear weight or walk while in this cast.
How do you get urine smell out of Spica cast?
How do I stop my plaster cast from smelling?
Keep the smell under control
- Rub a scented dryer sheet on the outside of the cast. Do not push it underneath the cast.
- Sprinkle on baking soda or moisture-absorbing powder. These can safely absorb moisture and odors on the cast and around the openings.
- In extreme cases, request a new cast.
How to apply a spica cast to a leg?
Cast application Apply a first layer of cast material to the leg and body sections, taking care to connect leg to body securely, in a figure of eight (spica technique). Pitfall: While not common, compartment syndrome may occur after application of a spica cast.
Can a child walk with a hip spica cast?
Hip Spica Cast Care. A hip spica body cast is used to keep your child’s hips and legs from moving after an injury and / or operation. It is not a walking cast; your child should not stand, bear weight or walk while in this cast.
When do you need A spica cast for a baby?
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.
How long does a spica cast stay on?
What Is a Spica Cast? This cast is used to keep the thigh bones and pelvis still so they can heal. It holds the hip joint bones in the right position. It covers both legs (maybe one just partially), the waist and part of the abdomen. It will typically be on for 6 weeks to 3 months.
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