Dear Parent / guardian
Your child has had a broken bone and requires to be in a “Soft Cast” for a few weeks until the bone has healed.
What is Soft Cast?
“Soft Cast” is a particular type of plaster cast that is designed to be flexible but strong enough to protect the broken bone, whilst it is healing.
Instructions after application of a soft cast
- If the fingers / toes become swollen, painful, blue, numb, pins and needles or cold, report to the Emergency Department, Minor Injuries Unit or your own doctor at once.
- Elevate the limb for the first 48 hours or as instructed.
- Keep all joints not enclosed in the plaster moving freely especially fingers / toes.
- If the plaster is uncomfortable through being too tight, or through rubbing becomes damaged or broken, telephone the Plaster Room.
- Do not get the plaster wet.
- If you have any worries about the plaster, contact the Plaster Room.
How to remove a soft cast
The doctor in fracture clinic will have explained when the soft cast can be removed safely. This is likely to be 3 – 4 weeks after the injury. One of the advantages of a soft cast is that it can be removed at home once this time is up by following these simple instructions.
Do not use scissors to remove the cast.
Step 1: Find the end of the soft cast
Step 2: Unwind the soft cast
Step 3: Remove the wool layer and the stockinette
After care
After the removal of the cast, your child may have some stiffness which usually goes away on its own within a few months. Physiotherapy is not necessary but you will be shown exercises to get normal strength and movement back.
If the clinician requests a further appointment, you may be given a phone consultation after the cast has been removed. If not, or you have any concerns after removal of the cast, please contact the nurse specialist team.
Your child should not play any contact sports for a further 4 – 6 weeks.
Useful contact numbers
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:
Children’s Orthopaedics Nurse Specialist Team:
(Monday – Friday, 8.30 am – 5.00 pm)
Tel: 0113 392 8570
The present leaflet was produced during the COVID-19 Pandemic.
It was approved by the Governance Committee within the Trauma and Related Services CSU, ĢtvƵ Teaching Hospitals Trust (March 2020).
If you have any queries, please contact:
Mrs Laura Deriu, Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon, ĢtvƵ Teaching Hospitals Trust.
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