What is Hand Plaster? - Hand Fracture Plaster Real Pics

Hand plaster is a device applied to help heal an injured or broken arm, wrist, elbow, thumb, or fingers. It consists of a complex, moulded shell made from Plaster of Paris (POP), that covers the injured area and helps keep it immobile for proper healing. 

1. Long Arm Plaster: A long arm cast immobilizes the forearm, elbow, and sometimes shoulder. This cast extends from below the armpit to the palm of the hand, leaving the fingers and thumbs free. 
2. Short Arm Plaster (below-elbow cast): It immobilizes the forearms and the wrist. It reaches from the elbow to the palm. It is ideal for immobilizing and protecting against some local fractures and soft tissue injuries.
3. Half-Hand Plaster (Splint): A half-hand plaster cast provides support and stability for the wrist, hand, and fingers. This cast covers just half of the patient’s hand, leaving the palm open so they can use their fingers more easily while wearing it. The half-hand plaster cast is commonly used to treat fractures in the forearm or wrist.
4. Thumb Spica Plaster: A thumb spica plaster cast is used to immobilize and protect the thumb and adjacent structures. It extends from the wrist up to just below the axilla, allowing the patient’s hand and fingers to be free while their thumb remains stable. 
5. Finger Plaster: A finger plaster cast is used to immobilize and protect a fractured or broken finger. It only covers the affected finger, allowing the patient's hand to move as needed. This cast is also often used for chronic conditions such as arthritis, tendonitis, and the trigger finger.

Following your doctor’s instructions for proper cast care is essential to ensure that it stays clean and dry and to keep the affected area stable and free of infection. 

There are different types of hand fractures that may require a plaster cast. These include:

1. Metacarpal Fractures: These occur in the long bones of the hand and can be caused by a direct blow or fall onto the hand. Symptoms of a metacarpal fracture include pain, swelling, and bruising in the affected hand. 
2. Phalanx Fractures: These occur in the bones of the fingers and can be caused by a direct blow, fall, or crush injury. Phalanx fractures can also occur in the middle (middle) or proximal (base) phalanges.
3. Scaphoid Fractures: These occur in the wrist's small bones (scaphoid bone) and are often caused by falling onto an outstretched hand. Scaphoid fracture symptoms include pain and tenderness in the wrist, swelling, bruising, and difficulty moving the affected hand or fingers. 
4. Triquetral Fractures: A triquetral fracture occurs in one of the three bones of that triangular shape at the base of the thumb and is often caused by falls or direct trauma to the area.

Symptoms include pain and swelling at the base of the thumb. A triquetral fracture can also cause numbness and weakness in the hand and fingers. 

To know more about Fractures in detail, do visit: https://www.hexahealth.com/condition/fracture

Hand plaster is an effective and efficient way to treat a hand fracture. Here are five benefits of using hand plaster for fractures:

1. Hand plaster prevents further injury by immobilizing the affected area.
2. It accelerates the healing process by protecting the wound from infection.
3. Hand plaster relieves pain and discomfort caused by the fracture.
4. It restores the function of the affected hand by supporting it during healing.
5. Hand plaster is a cost-effective treatment option for hand fractures.

Hand plasters are made using a combination of Plaster of Paris (gypsum), a mineral found in abundance worldwide, and water. 

1. The two ingredients are mixed until a thick paste is formed and applied to the affected area. 
2. As it dries, the plaster hardens and creates an airtight seal over the wound, protecting it from dirt and bacteria while allowing it to heal.

When using a hand plaster for medical purposes, it’s essential to use sterile equipment and clean the affected area thoroughly before application. 

It’s also important to ensure that the plaster is of the right thickness for the wound—too thin, and it won’t provide enough protection; too thick, and it can be difficult to remove. 

When a hand plaster is applied for a fracture:

1. The doctor or nurse will first clean the area around the wound. 
2. They will then put on a glove and apply an antiseptic to the area. 
3. Once the antiseptic has been applied, they will place a piece of gauze over the wound.
4. After the gauze has been placed over the wound, they will take a roll of plaster and cut off a piece long enough to go around the entire circumference of the gauze. 
5. They will then remove the glove and wet the plaster in some water. 
6. Once the plaster is wet, they will place it over the gauze and smooth it to even out the air bubbles.
7. After the plaster has been smoothed out, they wrap an elastic bandage around it to keep it in place. The bandage should be tight enough so that it does not come off but not so tight that it cuts off circulation.

When it comes to hand plaster, safety is always a top priority. Here are five essential safety tips to consider while you have hand plaster:

1. Keep your plaster dry and clean: Plaster can become brittle and crack if it gets wet, so keeping it as dry as possible is essential. 
2. Be careful with heat and cold exposure: Avoid exposing your plaster-covered hand to extreme temperatures, as this could cause the plaster to break or crack.
3. Don't put any pressure on the plaster: Avoid using your plaster-covered hand for activities that could strain the area, such as carrying heavy objects or opening doors.
4. Don't remove the plaster by yourself: Only a medical professional should remove hand plaster, as they will know how to do so without causing further injury.
5. Follow up with your doctor: Once your hand plaster is removed, be sure to follow up with your doctor for an evaluation of your healing progress.

Hand plaster is a medical bandage that is used to support and immobilize the hand following an injury. It is usually made with cotton or linen fabric that is further coated with Plaster of Paris. A hand plaster is applied by wetting the fabric and wrapping it around the injured area. Once the plaster has dried, it gets hardened and provides support to the fractured hand while it heals.

Hand plasters are crucial for treating fractures and maintaining your bone health. That’s why you need to find the right specialist to cater to your concerns. HexaHealth is your one-stop destination for finding all health-related solutions. Whether it is an injury or a long-lasting ailment. HexaHealth experts will help you find the right course of treatment.