Precautions for plaster fixation of patellar fracture

Patellar fracture is a relatively common orthopedic disease. It can be treated surgically or conservatively. Each treatment method requires follow-up care. Surgery may cause complications, and conservative treatment with plaster may also cause the disease to be delayed. Let's take a look at the precautions for plaster fixation of patellar fracture.

【advantage】:

1. Good shaping performance.

2. After the plaster dries, it is very solid and can be fixed reliably.

3. In the plaster cast, wedge-shaped incisions are used to correct the residual angular deformity of the fracture.

【shortcoming】:

1. Progressive swelling after trauma can easily cause compression, leading to blood circulation disorders and even limb necrosis.

2. After the swelling of the limb subsides, the fracture may be displaced again because the plaster is too loose.

3. Long-term immobilization can cause joint stiffness, muscle atrophy, and even serious functional disorders.

【Things to note when fixing 】

1. First place the limb in the functional position, fix it with equipment or have someone support it, and maintain this position until the plaster is wrapped and hardened. Use your palms to support the cast, not your fingers.

2. When wrapping the plaster, roll it along the surface of the limb in a certain direction. Avoid pulling the bandage with force, and smooth it with your hands at any time to make the layers adhere to each other.

3. Use plaster strips to thicken and reinforce the joints. Prevent the plaster from breaking when moving. Use pillows or sandbags to level the bed after moving.

4. The date and diagnosis should be noted after the plaster bandage.

5. Before the plaster dries, be careful not to put pressure on the protruding parts to avoid depressions that may compress the skin and cause pressure ulcers.

6. To accelerate the solidification of gypsum, add a little salt to warm water. If the weather is humid, you can use an electric stove, hair dryer, etc. to dry it.

7. Plaster fixation should include the proximal and distal joints of the fracture site. The fingertips of the limbs should be exposed for easy observation.

8. Close observation is required after surgery, especially in the first six hours. The plaster should be cut or removed promptly if any of the following conditions occur:

(1) Obvious swelling or severe pain in the limbs.

(2) There is circulatory disorder or nerve compression in the limbs.

(3) Cases of unexplained high fever and suspected infection.

9. If the plaster becomes loose, soft and ineffective, it should be replaced in time.

10. Patients should be encouraged to move their unfixed joints, and the muscles in the fixed parts should be actively contracted and relaxed to promote blood circulation and prevent muscle atrophy and joint stiffness.

The recovery of fractures is a relatively long process, so patients need to actively cooperate with treatment, coupled with proper care methods, which can speed up the recovery time of fractures. However, long-term fixation with plaster will cause muscle atrophy to a certain extent, so it is recommended not to use plaster for long-term fixation. You can choose to remove the plaster when the condition is stable.