What is Leg Plaster? - Leg Fracture Plaster Real Images

A leg plaster is a cast that is applied in case of leg bone fractures or cracks. The main purpose of a leg plaster is to help heal the fractured bones by approximating them and restricting their movement. 
Bones are capable of healing naturally by themselves. Restricting movements of the fractured or cracked bones with the help of leg plasters helps them heal faster. Leg plasters are made up by mixing mainly two ingredients - bandage and Plaster of Paris. 
There are various types of leg plasters depending on the type of injuries one may encounter.

Leg plasters can be applied using different types of leg casts. Some of the most common types of leg plasters are as follows:

1. Leg Plaster Cast: This right leg plaster pic shows an ancient method of treating a broken leg bone or joint. It is made by combining cotton gauze and plaster strips and soaking them in water. This leg plaster takes a couple of days to harden completely.
2. Leg Synthetic Cast: Fibre leg plaster is currently substituting plaster of Paris in many healthcare settings. This cast is made of cotton gauze and plastic or fibreglass strips. Unlike plaster casts, synthetic casts harden up at a pace of a few hours. Here’s the right leg plaster pic showing a synthetic cast below.
3. Cast Brace: Cast braces hold the bone in one position and restrict its movement to ensure rapid healing. It incorporates a soft cotton padding and a firm plastic against the fractured bone. 
   A cast brace can be placed immediately after the patient injures the leg. It can also be recommended by the physician when another plaster cast has been retracted.
4. Leg Splint/half Cast: Splint casts hold the muscle bones around the injury in one place. It comprises Plaster of Paris or fibre plaster. Splint casts are recommended when there is a risk of swelling. Splints not only help heal a broken leg but also joint (arthritis) and muscle problems (muscle paralysis). 

Before plastering a fractured leg, taking care of any skin damage or tissue injuries caused by the fracture is vital. The physician must also note any pain or weakness the patient is experiencing. To apply the leg plaster the physician will:

1. Hold the limb in an appropriate position. The patient must hold the limb in a comfortable manner to apply the plaster.
2. Apply the bandage in a circular motion.
3. Smooth out creases and shrink by lightly massaging the bandage while applying.
4. Use warm water to set the plaster, as it quickly sets and hardens with warm water. 
5. Plaster of Paris will accommodate in a few minutes but takes up to 72 hours to fully dry and harden.

Pros:

1. Inexpensive
2. Easy to place
3. Effective
4. Flexible as they easily take the shape of an injured area 
5. With fewer complications

Cons:

1. The patient may be advised to take painkillers for the swelling that appears in the first few days of applying a leg plaster
2. Itching is common in most cases, and the patient can experience frustration due to the inability to scratch the spot where the leg plaster is present.
3. There is a risk of infection around or underneath the plaster cast.

Dealing with a leg fracture plaster can be difficult. The patient must get acquainted with the norms of performing daily activities with the leg plaster. In addition to being attentive towards the progress of a broken bone or a fracture leg finger, adhere to the physician's guidelines of good plaster care. 
Some of the Do’s and Don’ts of dealing with a leg fracture plaster include:
Some Do’s

1. Keep the plaster cast clean and away from any dirt exposure.
2. Regularly inspect the cast for any cracks. 
3. Use a cushion to raise the injured leg to avoid swelling for the initial days.
4. Use ice bags to reduce swelling.
5. Start moving fingers or toes gradually to stimulate blood circulation.

Some Don’ts 

1. Don’t use objects or hard things to scratch away the itchiness.
2. Refrain from using products like powder or lotions beneath the plaster.
3. Don't let the plaster interact with water or fluids.
4. Never raise or carry the child using the abduction bar on the cast. 
5. Never cut off the extras of a cotton pad around the plaster without consulting the physician.

Getting around in a plaster cast can be quite challenging. Although, by showing a great deal of patience and following a physician's instructions, one can make walking with a broken leg plaster easier. 

1. Place a cushion over the top end of a crutch. This will support the arm the patient is using to balance during walking with a crutch. 
2. Use non-skid footwear always while trying to walk with a crutch.
3. Always adjust the crutch as per your height. 
4. Keep the posture slightly leaning and place the crutch ahead by about one foot.
5. Think of using your injured leg as you walk, but place the weight on the crutch instead. 
6. Put your functional leg ahead and take a step.

Walking/Casting Aid

Whether it is a fractured leg finger that needs plaster or the entire bone, patients must use a casting aid during these times. It will refrain them from entirely depending on their family members. 

1. Cane: This is the most common type of casting aid when there is a leg fracture plaster for minor injuries. It keeps patients from putting any weight on the injured leg. It can also be helpful in leg finger fracture plaster.
2. Walking Cast/ Walker: This is another type of commonly seen casting aid. It helps the patient to walk around comfortably when the plaster is still in place. One may wear a casting shoe to prevent the plaster from getting dirty. 
3. Crutches: This casting aid is appropriate when the patient cannot risk taking the slightest pressure or weight on the injured leg. Crutches are helpful in case of severe injuries and fractures. A real leg plaster image below with a fibre leg plaster shows a woman using crutches to walk.

It is not only the walking part where the problem lies; sitting with a leg plaster also becomes challenging. Following some basic steps will make lowering oneself into a chair more comfortable:

1. Making a sound judgement about the distance of the seat always comes first. You should use your hand (the one not holding the crutch or cane) to take the judgement.
2. Place the injured lead ahead and hold the crutches or cane in another hand.
3. Gradually lower yourself into the seat.  
4. Once seated, put the crutches or the cane in close proximity.

Taking care of the broken leg plaster while sleeping becomes difficult, but keeping the following points in mind can help one avoid any further injuries and ensure a speedy recovery:

1. Elevate the leg above the body level while lying on the bed
2. You will be advised to lie on your back and avoid tossing or turning during sleep
3. Place a cushion or soft surface under the injured leg and raise it such that it is above the level of the heart
4. Put pillows around you to keep yourself from changing position

All this can be easily done with the help of a family member or a friend who can keep a good watch on them.

Feeling slight pain or stiffness is expected once the leg plaster comes off. The patient may observe a lump in the affected area. This is the callus (new bone) and will eventually be settled with the shape of the original bone. The physician may recommend a couple of physiotherapy sessions. 

Aftercare

Once the broken leg plaster is taken off, it is essential to take care of the fractured leg. Follow these tips to ensure good leg plaster aftercare:

1. Apply a lotion or a moisturiser right after the cast has been removed is commonly recommended by physicians. 
2. Perform the exercises as recommended by the doctor. 
3. Avoid heavy movements in the initial days. 
4. Never try scrubbing or exfoliating the skin around the affected area. 
5. Avoid intense cardio workouts or athletic activities for at least six weeks.
6. You can run lukewarm water on the affected skin for cleaning.

In addition to pain, swelling, risk of infection, and inactivity, a fractured leg can also be a setback for mental health. While many will enjoy the attention of family and friends, others do not entertain the idea of being dependent on others. A speedy recovery is promised to those who take good care of their leg cast. 
If you’re struggling with taking care of your leg plaster, feel free to connect with our team of experienced orthopaedic doctors and surgeons. At HexaHealth, we promise to deliver the best healthcare services across India. So get in touch with us right now!