Information for Parents

Your child has been put into a plaster cast as they have a fracture (break in the bone) or there is suspicion that there is a fracture.

The plaster cast, otherwise known as a backslab; covers 2/3rds of the limb which allows swelling from a new injury.

What do I need to know?

The plaster cast can take up to 48 hours to fully dry once it has been put on. It is important you allow it to dry naturally, do not use other ways to try to dry the plaster (e.g, hair dryer).

You will be followed up in fracture clinic with an Orthopaedic Doctor, where the cast may be replaced with a full cast.

During the recovery, you or your child should:

• Move the joints above and below the plaster on the uninjured arm/leg, to prevent any stiffness and swelling
• Keep the cast dry (you can purchase waterproof covers for casts)
• Keep the limb elevated – if your or your child’s arm has been plastered, you should keep the sling on when active. When relaxing, you can remove the sling and keep it elevated on a pillow. (Note, do not sleep with the sling on unless informed otherwise by a nurse or doctor)

If your child’s foot or leg is in plaster try to keep the foot/ leg elevated as much as possible, on a foot stool or on a pillow while sleeping.

When to be concerned

You should return to The Children’s Urgent Care Centre (0800-2000 Monday-Sunday) or Accident and Emergency (out of hours) if your child has any of the following symptoms:

• Numbness or pins and needles in the injured arms or legs
• If you or your child cannot move their fingers or toes
• Pain or burning underneath the plaster cast
• If there is discoloration to the limb around the cast (pale, or blue)
• If the plaster feels too tight
• If the plaster becomes too loose, cracked or broken
• If the plaster cast is rubbing or pressing on the skin
• If the cast becomes odorous or stained
• If the cast is submerged in water

Further Information

If you need any more information or advice between the hours of 0800-2000 Monday-Sunday please call The Children’s Urgent Care Centre on 02073906150.

Out of hours please contact NHS 111.

Call NHS 111 if you need medical help fast, but its not life threatening- for example, if you:

• Think you need to go to hospital
• Don’t know who to call for medical help
• Don’t have a GP to call
• Need medical advice or reassurance about what to do next.

In case of emergency please call 999 or attend your local Children’s Emergency Department.