The most common in modern traumatology in the conservative treatment of fractures are plaster casts. It is not difficult to prepare them, and the material is relatively inexpensive, and it is not difficult to get it. But this stage, which is very important in the process of treating a patient, requires special preparation and a separate special room in a department or clinic. In order to properly prepare plaster casts, you should take courses and acquire additional specialization of a gypsum technician-orthosis specialist.
What is gypsum and what are its advantages?
The positive side of the plaster cast is that it takes the shape of the patientβs body and fits snugly against it. Fast hardening and ease of removal provided this material with widespread use. If everything is done correctly, then bone fragments are simply doomed to the correct fusion. Consolidation occurs in the shortest possible time, especially when it comes to putting a splint on the wrist.
Gypsum itself is a white powder, which consists of calcium sulfate, previously dried at a temperature of from 100 to 130 degrees. It should be stored in places that are inaccessible to water, because otherwise the material will become unsuitable.
Gypsum Dressing
Before preparing a bandage, it is worth measuring the distance at which it will be applied. For example, a crib on the arm is superimposed from the bones of the fingers (the heads of the
metacarpal bones) and to the middle third of the forearm. The length of the future fixture is calculated on the healthy side. A layer of cotton wool is placed on the measured bandage, on which a plaster bandage soaked in water is placed. Then, until the gypsum has hardened, it is distributed over the fracture area with the soft side. Fix with a soft bandage. In the area of ββbends or bone protrusions, it is best to put a soft cotton swab, which will prevent pressure on the skin or neurovascular bundles.
The setting time of the gypsum bandage is different and depends on the temperature of the water in which it was soaked (its optimum temperature is 40 degrees), as well as on the lot of the gypsum bandage or powder, and the shelf life of it. Instead of cotton wool, which can go astray, you can use a stocking. It will provide softness.
The main thing is to do everything right
In order for the crib to be placed on the arm or any other part of the body correctly, it is worth adhering to certain subtleties during its manufacture. You should take care in advance of the availability of the necessary material, as well as tools. During the application of the dressing, two adjacent joints must be immobilized, and with damage to the shoulder or thigh area, three. At the ends of the dressing, in order to avoid pressure, a layer of cotton wool or a soft bandage is placed.
Before the gypsum hardens, the limbs should be given a functionally advantageous position, especially if the crib is placed on the arm. Until the dressing is frozen, the limb should be fixed motionless. In order to control its condition, the fingers should be open throughout the entire treatment period, especially when the cuff is placed on the wrist or foot. Until the dressing has frozen, it should be handled carefully. Otherwise, it may break, and the fracture may shift. Properly applied gypsum should not be free, but should not be pressed on the same level, otherwise complications may arise.
There is an alternative
Currently, the industry produces a large number of dressings that can be successfully applied during the treatment process. But they often do not take into account the anatomical features of a person, as they are manufactured according to a certain standard, and their cost is sometimes not affordable for a simple layman.
For emergency care, improvised materials will also be suitable, from which a canteen can be obtained. In this case, you can put a board or a piece of reinforcement on your hand. These materials can also be used on the lower limb, but at the same time they should be an order of magnitude longer. The material at hand should also differ in strength, so that during transportation the injured simply do not break and cause secondary displacement. For example, an excellent syringe on the little finger of your hand can be obtained from a used syringe, but the patient with a fracture of the spine should be transferred only on a hard surface, such as a door.
Except longet
In addition to becoming a classic and the basis of the immobilizing dressing , there are also circular gypsum analogues. But they should be applied carefully and only under strict medical supervision. This is due to the fact that the limb swells over time, and this is a natural reaction of the body to trauma. Then the gypsum should be trimmed. This should be done carefully and only in the hospital. At home, you can neatly trim the bandage with which the bracket is fixed.
Circular gypsum dressings are also often applied to the arm, which, like in other parts of the body, can be fenestrated, applied when caring for a wound or to prevent pressure of bone protrusions. There are bridge-like dressings that are applied to the joints. But there are places where circular devices are not very strong and put, for example, if you need a cuff on the finger of the hand.