How long does a back slab stay on?
How long does a back slab stay on?
Your back slab will remain wet for 24/48 hours. Your back slab must be kept dry!
What is slab fracture?
The forearm volar slab splint is a non-circumferential shell of plaster used to temporarily immobilize fractures and soft tissue injuries of the forearm and wrist. It is used to obtain pain relief until a circumferential cast is applied or until definitive surgical treatment is obtained.
Is a back slab cast temporary?
A ‘back slab’ is a slab of plaster that does not completely encircle the limb and is used for injuries which have resulted in a large amount of swelling. It is secured with a bandage to accommodate the swelling. This type of plaster is only temporary and will probably be ‘completed’ at your Fracture Clinic appointment.
How long should you have a back slab cast?
They allow broken bones in the arm or leg to heal by holding them in place, and usually need to stay on for between 4 and 12 weeks. Taking good care of your cast will help ensure a better recovery.
How do you put a cast on your leg?
Wrap the padding circumferentially, from distal to proximal, over the area to which the cast will be applied. Overlap the underlying layer by half the width of the padding. Apply the padding firmly against the skin without gaps but not so tightly that is compromises circulation.
When do you apply a cast?
Casts and splints are used when a bone is broken. They can also be used following orthopedic surgery. Sometimes splints are used immediately following an injury due to swelling of the affected area. After the swelling goes down, then a full cast might be applied to the injured limb.
Can you fly with a back slab cast?
It’s best to check with your travel operator or airline. Some airlines require you to wait 24 hours after a plaster cast has been fitted for flights less than 2 hours, and 48 hours for longer flights. This is because there’s a risk of swelling after a plaster cast is first fitted, which can affect your circulation.
What is the purpose of a back slab?
What is a back slab cast?
A ‘back slab’ or half cast, which wraps halfway around your limb and is held in place with a bandage. Sometimes the healthcare professional will make cuts in a full cast or cut it in half lengthwise. This is because the limb may swell for the first day or so and they want to make sure the cast is not too tight.
How is a cast wrapped around a broken leg?
It is soaked in water then wrapped around the inner layer, where it will dry to form a hard, protective shell. A full cast wraps around the whole limb. A ‘back slab’ or half cast, which wraps halfway around your limb and is held in place with a bandage.
What is the difference between a backslab and a cast?
o 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
What is the difference between a plaster slab and cast?
As the plaster firms up, the slabs conform to the contours of the limb to provide support with less risk of limb constriction than with a complete cast. Indications for backslabs include: Buckle injuries and minor physeal injuries at the wrist Most elbow fractures (Figure 37).
