Plaster Cast
what is a plaster cast?
Where fractures are stable, they tend to heal quickly in a plaster cast. If the fracture is at the wrist end of the bone, a simple below elbow cast is sufficient. If the fracture is more than 3 cm from the wrist, a plaster which extends above the elbow is preferred.
how long does a plaster cast stay on a broken wrist?
For children over the age of 6, time in plaster is usually around 3 weeks. Younger children ages 3-4 would need to be in plaster for 2 weeks, and those less than 2 years old for 1 week.
Clinical examination is required to assess fracture healing. If the fracture site is still painful after the plaster is removed, an x-ray is taken. If there is suspicion that the fracture has not fully healed the arm is put back in plaster for a further 2 weeks.
The One Team Specialists
Anthony Hearnden
Consultant Orthopaedic Surgeon FRCS (Tr&Orth), Shoulder, Elbow, Hand and Wrist
