Application of a backslab or cast to a fractured limb [advanced]

Please note content is for educational purposes only and procedures should not conducted based on this information. OSCEstop and authors take no responsibility for errors or for the use of any content.

For management options by fracture type, see OSCEstop notes on fracture management.

Introduction

• Wash hands, Introduce self, Patients name & DOB & wrist band, Explain procedure and get consent
  • Risks: neurovascular compromise, joint stiffness after removal, infection, pressure sores, venous thromboembolism, failure of fracture union
  • Backslabs vs casts: for acute injuries, a ‘backslab’ (i.e. slab of plaster on one side of the limb) should be used to allow for swelling. This is then changed to a more secure full ‘cast’ (i.e. circumferential around limb) at  ̴ 1 week post injury.
• Check cast prescription

Preparation part

• Wash hands
• Apply an apron, and also gloves if using fibreglass
• Gather equipment

Patient part

Positioning and exposure

• Expose limb and remove any jewellery
• Examine the injured extremity
  • Look for wounds and treat prior to applying cast
  • Examine neurovascular status
  • Reduce the fracture or dislocation if required
• Position patient
  • Below elbow cast: patient sitting with elbow resting on hard surface and hand slightly elevated
  • Above elbow cast: patient lying supine with arm off side of bed and assistant holding the patient’s hand to support the weight of the arm
  • Below knee cast: patient sit on edge of bed with lower legs dangling off side
  • Above knee cast: patient lying supine with leg rest/assistant holding leg in position
• Fully position limb in desired position – SEE TABLE BELOW
• Apply large pads and plastic sheets around patient and limb to collect spillage

Initial dressing

• Apply the fabric stockinette over the limb to cover the area below the plaster plus a couple of inches and cut to size – avoid  wrinkles and cut hole for thumb if needed (omit this in acute injuries)
• Unroll the webril circumferentially around the limb to cover the area below the plaster plus a couple of inches (roll layers should overlap by 50%). Start with two initial rolls then progress distally/proximally. Use double thickness for both plaster ends and any bony prominences. Cut a hole/slit for the thumb if required. The end can be left loose.
• Apply extra squares of webril may be applied over any bony prominences to avoid pressure sores

Backslap application

• Using the correct width plaster sheet (unrolled), measure the length required longitudinally along the limb
• Fold the plaster sheet to the create required layers – layers required vary by type of backslab – see table below (generally, 8 layer slab for upper limb; three 4 layer slabs for lower limb backslabs)
• Cut plaster sheet to size
• Immerse the plaster into the lukewarm water and hold it under until the bubbles stop
• Drain the plaster until the drips stop (do not wring it out)
• Place the slab longitudinally in position over limb (fold any un-neat edges)
• Mould by rubbing it smooth with flats of both palms and fingers
• Turn the ends of the webril back over the ends of the plaster
• Unroll the broad gauze bandage circumferentially around the limb to secure the plaster and free ends of webril (roll layers should overlap by 50%). Start distally and wrap proximally. To tie off the bandage, you can tape it or split the end down the middle, wrap around in opposite directions and tie off.     
• Hold the limb is in the correct position for approximately 5mins until the plaster hardens

Circumferential cast application

• Immerse the first roll of fibreglass/plaster (still rolled) into the lukewarm water and hold it under until the bubbles stop
• Drain until the drips stop (do not wring it out)
• Apply the 1^st layer by unrolling the fibreglass/plaster circumferentially around limb keeping the roll in contact with the arm at all times. Start distally and progress proximally (roll layers should overlap by 50%)
• Continue using the same roll to apply a 2^nd layer starting proximally and progressing distally
• ‘Laminate’ plaster by rubbing the plaster smooth with flats of both palms and fingers in a circular motion in the direction it was placed on to make sure all the fabric lines are out
• Turn the ends of the stockinette and webril back over the ends of the plaster
• Now apply a 3^rd layer (using the second fibreglass/plaster roll which again needs to be soaked and drained), starting proximally and progressing distally like the 2^nd  to secure the turned-over ends of the stockinette and webril and ensure even cast thickness
• ‘Laminate’ plaster further
• Hold the limb is in the correct position for approximately 5mins until the plaster hardens

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To complete

• Thank patient and cover them
• Bin all waste and clean area
• Fur upper limb casts, give the patient a resting triangular or high-arm sling
• Review patient
  • Once the backslab/cast is set check:
    • No sharp edges
    • Correct positioning
    • Comfortable for patient
    • Distil neurovascular assessment and tendon function
    • Post-cast X-ray
  • 24 hours cast check
  • If problems arise e.g.
    • Pressure sores – a ‘window’ can be cut in the cast
    • Infection – smelling the cast is a good indicator
• Give the patient a leaflet and give plaster advice (including advising them to seek urgent medical help if limb is numb/painful/cold/discoloured, POP must be kept dry and that, for weight bearing-lower limb plaster casts, they must not weight bear for 2 days)
• Fully document in notes and sign cast prescription
• Book follow up appointment

Removing a cast

• Use plaster-cutting shears or an oscillating power saw
• Shears: only oscillate the handle furthest from the plaster (keep the other one still and parallel to the plaster). You should only cut the plaster layer (i.e. place the blade between the plaster and the lining below)
  • Start distally and work proximally
• Oscillating power saw: use one hand to hold the saw handle nearest the blade, and rest the other hand around the cast with the thumb on the top of the saw to guide it. DO NOT slide the saw along the cast, use it by pressing it down in one position until it ‘gives’ then lift it off and do the same again slightly further down the cast and so on (don’t worry, the saw does not cut skin!)
  • Start proximally and work distally
• Cuts should be over soft tissues and concavities (avoid bony prominences)

Where to cut upper limb casts

• Make one cut in a straight line along the anterior border of the forearm from the mid-antecubital fossa to the mid-palm
• Now use strength to split the cast to get it off

Where to cut lower limb casts

• Requires two cuts
• LATERAL CUT: from the little toe, along the lateral border of the foot, below and posterior to the lateral malleolus and up the lateral border of the lower leg
• MEDIAL CUT: along the corresponding line on the medial surface

Types of backslab/cast and additional specific details to application technique above